Lucknow,

16 April (HS): In a crucial move, Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq

appeared before a judicial committee in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, seeking an

investigation into violent events in Sambhal last November. He expressed doubts

about the police and the administration, but he reaffirmed his faith in the

justice system. A probe into the riots that killed four people and wounded many

more called for Barq to testify in Lucknow. Violence erupted after a disputed

court-ordered study of the Shahi Jama Masjid, amid suspicions of a pre-existing

Hindu temple on the site. Prior to his

commission appearance, Barq expressed his full cooperation, declaring, I

will answer all questions posed to me. He reiterated his faith on the

courts for justice, as the judicial team, which includes respected former

officials, conducts its thorough investigation into the issue.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi