Violence in UP’s Sambhal Survey Over Mosque

Police responded with tear gas to disperse the group.

Sambhal, UP:

Chaos broke out in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh this morning when a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid led to violent clashes between locals and police, resulting in three deaths. The mosque is at the center of a controversial legal battle over claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple.

According to the police, the violence began after a crowd gathered near the mosque as the investigative team led by an “Advocate Commissioner” began work. The crowd trying to prevent the police from entering the mosque reached approximately a thousand people. Some people in the crowd threw stones at the police personnel working at the scene. The crowd set fire to more than ten vehicles. Police responded with tear gas to disperse the group. In the chaos that followed, two people were killed and over 30 police officers were injured.

“Three persons identified as Naeem, Bilal and Nauman were killed. Some policemen, including the police chief’s gunner, were also injured,” Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. he said.

The investigation, which began at 7.30am, was part of a process initiated by a petition claiming that a temple stood where the mosque once stood. Tensions have been rising in Sambhal since a similar survey was conducted on Tuesday. The petitioners claim that historical texts such as “Baburnama” and “Ain-e-Akbari” document the destruction of the temple by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.

While supporters of the survey argue that it is a necessary step to reveal historical facts, critics see it as a provocation that violates the sanctity of religious places approved by the Places of Worship Act 1991.

Police Inspector Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said, “Some people in the crowd hurled stones at the police team. Police used light force and tear gas to control the situation. Those involved in the violence will be identified and action will be taken.” .

According to Moradabad Police Commissioner Ananjay Kumar Singh, 15 people, including three women, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Videos circulating on the internet reportedly show stones being thrown near the mosque, and several vehicles parked nearby were set on fire.

Despite the chaos, officials completed the survey as planned. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain stated that the investigation team carried out a detailed examination of the area, supported by videos and photographs, as per the court directions. The survey report is scheduled to be submitted by November 29.

The incident sparked a wave of political and social reactions. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP-led government of orchestrating the unrest to divert attention from allegations of corruption in the recent elections.

Samajwadi Party chief said, “A serious incident took place in Sambhal. A poll team was deliberately sent in the morning to prevent discussions on elections. The aim was to create chaos so that no discussions on election issues could take place.”

This was a very important event. This is a really important event. This is a very important thing. This is a very important event. pic.twitter.com/XE99C72zw9

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) 24 November 2024

SP MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq also criticized the survey, citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991. “Sambhal Jama Masjid is a historical place. The Supreme Court had ruled that religious places should remain unchanged as they were in 1947.” said Barq.

(Contributed by Rajat Malhotra)