Sambhal Riots in UP: 4 dead, internet shut down due to clashes over mosque poll; Here’s what we know so far

At least four people lost their lives and many others, including more than 20 police officers, were injured in violent clashes in Sambhal city of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, November 24. The violence broke out during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid following a petition by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, who claimed that the mosque was actually a temple.

It was stated that among the injured, a police officer with a serious head injury is currently under medical care. More than 20 police officers were injured in the incidents.

Here’s what we know so far:

In response to the violence, internet services throughout the district were stopped for 24 hours to maintain public order. Residents were warned not to keep rocks, soda bottles or other items that could be used as weapons on their roofs. Authorities also ordered municipal crews to remove construction debris from public spaces with the promise of strict action against those found violating these directives.

As a precaution, the district administration declared a holiday for students up to 12th grade on November 25. Meanwhile, police detained around 20 people suspected of participating in stone-throwing and other violent activities during the clashes.

The Sambhal district magistrate issued a directive prohibiting foreigners, social organizations and public representatives from entering the district without prior approval. The notification stated: “Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Indian Citizens Security Act, 2023 will remain in force until November 30.” It also warned that any violation of these orders will result in penalties under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code, 2023.

Tensions flared near the Shahi Jama Masjid on Sunday morning after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a court-ordered survey. A large crowd gathered, chanting slogans, throwing stones and trying to set fire to vehicles. In a bid to control the situation, the police resorted to tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the protesters.

A senior police officer stated that during the chaos, miscreants fired guns, causing some police personnel to be injured by pellets. “We are currently investigating the source of the gunshots, especially in the Deepa Sarai area,” the officer said.

The survey of Jama Masjid was carried out following a court order in response to allegations that the site was once home to the Harihar temple. Police Inspector Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said, “Some people in the crowd hurled stones at the police. We used minimum force and tear gas to control the situation.” He also stated that those responsible would face charges under the National Security Act (NSA).

Petitioner Vishnu Shanker Jain explained that a civil judge (senior division) had directed a committee of lawyers to take videography and photography of the mosque. He stated that the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments, as well as the mosque committee and the Sambhal district magistrate, are the respondents in the case.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Yogendra Upadhyay condemned the attacks on the ASI team and emphasized the importance of complying with court orders in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s rule. “I strongly condemn this action. Disregarding the court order is a serious crime and law and order will prevail regardless of social status.”

Union Minister Giriraj Singh condemned the stone-pelting as an attack on India’s democracy and the rule of law and accused the group of undermining democratic institutions. “Such actions that show a lack of faith in our democracy will not be tolerated,” Singh said.

The Congress party blamed the Yogi Adityanath government and the BJP-RSS for the violence. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that the incidents were part of a “well-planned conspiracy” by the state government aimed at disrupting communal peace. “Videos showing direct fire at protesters highlight the dire consequences of this conspiracy,” Khera said.

Khera also pointed out what he saw as bias in the administration’s actions, claiming that it favored one side and increased violence after the midterm elections. He called on residents of Sambhal to reject hatred, maintain harmony and achieve justice through legal means. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s call for love instead of hatred, Khera urged citizens to “recognize divisive policies and protect their rights peacefully”.