Interpol Issues Red Corner Notice for Sambhal Violence Mastermind

Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against Shariq Sata, a fugitive gangster accused of orchestrating the violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, in November 2024. The announcement was made by Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, who has since been transferred to Bijnor.

According to police, a court had previously declared Sata a fugitive offender, and proceedings have been initiated for the attachment of his property. After completing necessary formalities, the Uttar Pradesh Police requested the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to approach Interpol for the notice.

Sata is believed to have fled to Dubai using a forged passport, and his family members have reportedly travelled there frequently. Police maintained close surveillance on him and submitted a detailed dossier to the CBI, which coordinated with Interpol to issue the Red Corner Notice.

Authorities will now attempt to secure his arrest and extradition from whichever country he is in. He faces charges related to the Sambhal violence and 55 to 60 other criminal cases previously registered against him, Bishnoi told reporters.

Violence erupted in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, when a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid led to clashes between local protesters and security forces. The survey was ordered following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site. Four people were killed and dozens injured in the unrest.

During the investigation, Sata emerged as the prime conspirator in the case, the police officer added. He had fled the country years ago and has been on the run since. Despite multiple police raids, Sata could not be traced, following which a notice under Section 84 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was pasted at his residence. A lookout circular had already been issued against him.

A Red Corner Notice is an international request from Interpol to law-enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual who is wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.

Police said Sata was involved in several organised criminal activities, including vehicle thefts, across the National Capital Region (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh, while operating from abroad.

This report is based on information provided by law enforcement officials. Further details will be added as they emerge.