The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Sambhal, Vibhanshu Sudhir, who had taken a firm stance in favor of a Muslim youth in the 2024 police firing case, has been transferred. His name was included in the list of 14 judicial officers transferred by the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday.
According to the High Court’s order, CJM Vibhanshu Sudhir has been moved from Sambhal and appointed as a Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Sultanpur. His position in Sambhal will be filled by Aditya Singh, who was previously serving as a Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Chandousi.
The transfer comes at a time when, earlier this month, Judge Sudhir had ordered the registration of an FIR against several police officers in connection with a police firing incident in Sambhal.
The case dates back to November 2024, when tensions erupted in the area over a court-directed survey at the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandousi. Protests against the survey turned violent, resulting in the deaths of five Muslim youths and injuries to several others.
During the incident, a Muslim youth named Alam was injured in police firing. Alam’s father, Yamin, filed a petition in court, alleging that his son had been selling rusks and biscuits from a cart near the mosque when the police opened fire on the crowd.
CJM Vibhanshu Sudhir accepted Yamin’s petition and ordered the registration of an FIR against former Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary, Kotwali In-charge Anuj Tomar, and 15–20 unknown police personnel.
In his order, the court noted that it was clear the youth had been shot, and it was a matter for investigation to determine who fired the shots. The court also stated that the police cannot claim that they were simply performing their official duties in a case involving serious crimes such as attempted murder.
Following the CJM’s order, Sambhal police had stated that they would challenge it in the Allahabad High Court. Shortly afterward, the judge’s transfer became a subject of discussion.
Meanwhile, ahead of Eid, Sambhal police also announced strict restrictions on public prayers and the use of loudspeakers, which drew dissatisfaction among the local Muslim community.
All eyes are now on what further action will be taken regarding the FIR against the police officers and how the case will proceed in the High Court.
