Violence erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, early on Sunday morning during a court-mandated survey of the Jama Masjid, leading to the deaths of three individuals and injuries to over 30 police officers. The mosque, which is at the center of a contentious legal battle, has been accused of being built on the site of a Hindu temple. This survey, part of an ongoing legal process, sparked violent clashes between the police and locals, many of whom were protesting the survey’s proceedings.
According to police reports, the unrest began when a crowd gathered near the mosque as the survey team, led by an “Advocate Commissioner,” commenced its work at 7:30 AM. The gathering, which quickly swelled to nearly a thousand people, attempted to block the police from entering the mosque. As tensions escalated, the crowd began throwing stones at the police. Some of the demonstrators set fire to more than ten vehicles parked nearby. In response, the police used tear gas and minor force to disperse the mob.
In the ensuing chaos, two individuals were killed, and more than 30 police officers sustained injuries, including the gunner assigned to the Superintendent of Police. The three deceased have been identified as Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman.
Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed the deaths, stating, “Three people have been killed, and several policemen, including the gunner of the Superintendent of Police, have been injured.”
The survey is part of an ongoing legal process following a petition that claims the mosque was constructed on the site of an ancient Hindu temple, allegedly destroyed during the Mughal era by Emperor Babur in 1529. Historical texts such as the “Baburnama” and “Ain-e-Akbari” have been cited by petitioners to support their claims.
Supporters of the survey view it as an important step to uncover historical truths, while critics argue that it undermines the sanctity of religious sites, as outlined in the Places of Worship Act of 1991, which prohibits altering the religious character of places of worship.
The police acted swiftly to restore order, and in addition to the fatalities, 15 people, including three women, were arrested in connection with the violence. Videos circulating on social media show the crowd throwing stones and vehicles being set on fire. Despite the unrest, the survey team managed to complete its task, supported by videography and photography to document the proceedings as directed by the court. The survey report is expected to be submitted by November 29.
The incident has sparked a strong political response. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP-led government of deliberately orchestrating the unrest to divert attention from electoral controversies. “A serious incident occurred in Sambhal. A survey team was deliberately sent in the morning to disrupt discussions about the elections,” Yadav claimed. “The intention was to create chaos so that no debate on election issues could happen.”
The violence in Sambhal has intensified tensions in the region, with authorities working to maintain peace and prevent further unrest.
Sources By Agencies
