48 Years After 1978 Riot Killing, Yogi Government Resettles Victim Family in Sambhal
Riot-hit Rastogi family receives land allocation on government land reclaimed from illegal cemetery encroachment, fulfilling a long-pending promise.
New Delhi : In a significant development, the Uttar Pradesh government has resettled a riot-affected family in Sambhal nearly 48 years after a brutal killing during the 1978 riots. Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, authorities allotted a 100-square-meter land lease to the Rastogi family on government land reclaimed from alleged illegal cemetery encroachment.
The foundation stone for the family’s new home was laid on Thursday in the presence of state minister JPS Rathore, senior administrative officials, and police personnel after a religious ceremony.
According to officials, the land in Sher Khan Sarai area had been freed from encroachment on August 12, 2025, after a bulldozer operation removed alleged illegal occupation linked to a cemetery.
The case regained attention after the 2024 Sambhal violence, when details of the 1978 riot tragedy resurfaced. During the riots, Ram Saran Das Rastogi was allegedly stabbed to death, and his body was reportedly mutilated and thrown into a well. Following threats and fear, the family migrated from Sambhal.
Officials said the family had approached the government seeking rehabilitation, after which old records were reviewed and the land allotment process was initiated.
Reacting emotionally, Kapil Rastogi, grandson of the victim, said no government had addressed their suffering for decades and credited the Yogi administration for delivering justice.
The move has also sparked political reactions, with the ruling BJP calling it justice for riot victims, while opposition leaders previously questioned the demolition and land recovery process.
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