In a recent set of events, the Uttar Pradesh Police have revealed a conspiracy to assassinate Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain. The conspiracy was allegedly planned during the violence that erupted over the Shahi Jama Masjid survey in Sambhal. The police arrested Mohd Ghulam for orchestrating the plot. Ghulam is viewed as a close associate of Dubai-based gangster Shariq Satha. Authorities allegedly claimed that Jain was targeted due to his legal representation in high-profile temple-mosque disputes, including the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple-Shahi Idgah Mosque case.
The Conspiracy and Arrest
Superintendent of Police Krishan Bishnoi revealed in a press-meeting that Ghulam had been acting on instructions from Satha, who allegedly was determined to incite large-scale violence by eliminating Jain.
“As part of the plan, Jain’s photograph was circulated among attackers, with orders to assassinate him,” said SP Bishnoi.
The plan was reportedly set in motion on November 23, 2024, a day before the Shahi Jama Masjid survey. The following day saw large-scale violence in Sambhal, resulting in four deaths. During investigations, forensic experts linked bullet casings from the crime scenes to the foreign-made arms and ammunition recovered from Ghulam.
Links to Organized Crime and Gold Smuggling
Police suspect the assassination attempt was not an isolated incident but part of a larger criminal conspiracy. Police reports mention that Ghulam has 20 criminal cases registered against him across Sambhal, neighbouring districts, and Delhi-NCR. Interestingly, the authorities are also probing potential connections to gold smuggling networks, which came into highlight during the investigation.
Political Links and Rioter Incitement
According to SP Bishnoi, Satha had previously received political patronage. He added that the connections allegedly include support from former Samajwadi Party MP Shafiqur Rehman Barq. The police adds that rioters were misled into believing that the mosque was built 5000 years ago and had deep historical and religious significance, prompting them to resort to violence.
“They wanted to kill him so that violence spreads across the country and they gain international notoriety,” added the SP.
Ongoing Investigation and Forensic Analysis
Authorities have arrested 79 individuals so far in connection with the Sambhal riots. The authorities continue to investigate the deeper network behind the assassination attempt. The forensic teams are also working to retrieve deleted data from Ghulam’s mobile phone, which could potentially lead to discovery of crucial evidence related to the conspiracy.
The police have assured that strict action will be taken against those involved, and further arrests are expected as the probe continues.
Author
Tanishq, a law student at the Department of Legal Studies and Research, Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, is a budding legal writer with a sharp eye for evolving legal landscapes. Passionate about Intellectual Property Rights, Constitutional Law, and Women and Child Safety Laws, Tanishq actively explores contemporary legal nuances through writing and research.
