Sambhal Violence: 4 dead in violent clashes over mosque survey – What we know so far

At least five people were killed and more than 20 police officers were injured on Sunday in violent clashes sparked by a court-ordered inspection of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. The unrest emerged following a petition claiming the mosque was actually a temple, leading to heated protests and violent clashes between police and locals.

Protesters threw rocks, chanted slogans and tried to set vehicles on fire near the mosque, forcing police to respond with tear gas and batons. The violence triggered a political blame game, with the ruling BJP and the opposition Samajwadi Party trading accusations over the incident.

Major developments in Sambhal Violence – 10 points

1. Court-ordered survey sparks protests:

The clashes broke out during a probe into the Shahi Jama Masjid after senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain claimed that the mosque was built on a temple.

2. Reported deaths and injuries

While 5 people lost their lives in the incidents, more than 20 police officers were injured. It was reported that gunshots were heard during the clashes, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the source.

3. Violence in Sambhal

Protesters resisted the poll by throwing rocks, attempted arson, and allegedly opened fire. Police responded by using tear gas and minimal force to disperse the crowd.

4. Political allegations are flying in the air

– SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP government of mishandling the situation by conducting the poll without prior notice.

– BJP accused SP leaders of inciting violence and police named SP MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and MLA Sohail Iqbal’s son in the FIR.

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.”

5. The administration disputes the allegations

Authorities denied the allegations of sudden action and stated that the mosque management was notified on November 23, one day before the investigation.

6. Prohibitory measures implemented

To prevent further unrest, the regional administration banned entry to the area without prior permission and confiscated possible riot materials such as stones and flammable materials.

7. Arrests and FIRs

Police arrested 25 people and filed cases against more than 2,750 unnamed people. The charges include incitement of violence and rebellion under the National Security Act.

8. Judge investigation launched
The judicial inquiry, led by Deputy Collector Deepak Kumar Chaudhary, will probe the causes of the violence, including deaths, damages and liability.

9. SP delegation plans visit

The 12-member SP delegation, led by Opposition Leader Mata Prasad Pandey, is planning to visit the area where the violence took place despite prohibitory orders.

10. Assessment of damages

Authorities calculate that damages to public and private property will be compensated by those responsible for the unrest.

Where did it all start?

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.