3 Dead, Over 30 Police Injured: Unrest Erupts in Sambhal, UP Over Mosque Survey

In Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid escalated into violent confrontations between law enforcement and residents, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. The mosque's contested history has ignited tensions surrounding religious sentiments.

P24 News Media

November 24, 2024

1 minute

3 Dead, Over 30 Police Injured: Unrest Erupts in Sambhal, UP Over Mosque Survey

India

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh witnessed turmoil today as the ongoing survey of the historic Jama Masjid, commissioned by the court, triggered violent clashes between locals and law enforcement, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals. This mosque is embroiled in a contentious legal dispute surrounding its alleged construction on the grounds of an ancient Hindu temple.

The unrest erupted early in the morning when a large crowd, estimated at about a thousand, gathered near the mosque to obstruct the survey team, which was led by an "Advocate Commissioner." As the situation escalated, members of the crowd began pelting stones at the police present at the site. Reports indicated that over ten vehicles in the vicinity were set ablaze amidst the chaos. In response, the police employed tear gas to disperse the rioting crowd. In this violent confrontation, not only were three individuals confirmed deceased, but over 30 members of the police force also sustained injuries.

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh reported, “Three persons identified as Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman have lost their lives. Some police personnel, including the bodyguard of the Superintendent of Police, have also incurred injuries.”

The survey commenced at 7:30 am as part of a legal process initiated by a petition asserting that a temple previously existed at the location of the mosque. Tensions in Sambhal have been escalating since a similar survey was conducted two days prior. Proponents of the survey cite historical documents such as "Baburnama" and "Ain-e-Akbari," which they claim recount the temple's destruction by the Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.

While supporters of the survey argue it is crucial for uncovering historical realities, detractors deem it a provocative act that undermines the sanctity of religious sites, a principle protected under the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated, “Some individuals in the crowd retaliated violently, throwing stones at our team. We resorted to minor force and tear gas to restore order. We will identify those responsible for the violence and take action accordingly.”

Ananjay Kumar Singh, the Police Commissioner of Moradabad, mentioned that law enforcement has apprehended 15 individuals, including three women, in connection with the disturbance. Social media has been rife with videos showing the stone-throwing incidents near the mosque, coupled with reports of vehicles set ablaze in the area.

Despite the chaos, officials proceeded to complete the survey as intended. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain emphasized that the survey team executed a thorough assessment of the site, guided by both videography and photography, in accordance with the court's directives. The completed survey report is expected to be submitted by November 29.

The violent incidents have sparked significant political and communal discourse. Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, has accused the current BJP-led government of instigating unrest to divert attention from allegations of electoral misconduct in recent bypolls.

“A serious incident transpired in Sambhal. The survey team was intentionally dispatched in the morning to disrupt discussions surrounding the elections. The intention was to induce chaos, preventing any substantial discourse on electoral matters,” claimed Yadav.

Additionally, SP MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq condemned the survey, referencing the Places of Worship Act, 1991. “The Jama Masjid of Sambhal is a site of historical significance. The Supreme Court ruled that places of worship should remain unchanged from their status in 1947,” stated Mr. Barq.