(Image source from: x.com/ani_digital)
A chaotic situation erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, as a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid led to violent clashes between the local residents and the police. Three individuals lost their lives, and over 30 police personnel were injured. The mosque is at the center of a contentious legal dispute over claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. Schools in Sambhal and nearby areas have been closed until November 25. The violence began when a crowd gathered near the mosque as the survey team, led by an "Advocate Commissioner," started its work. The crowd grew to around a thousand people, who tried to prevent the police from entering the mosque. Some individuals in the crowd threw stones at the police personnel stationed at the site. The mob also set fire to more than ten vehicles. The police responded with tear gas, and in the chaos, three people, identified as Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman, were killed.
The survey that took place at 7:30 am was part of a process initiated by a petition claiming that a temple previously existed in the location of the current mosque. Tensions have been building in Sambhal since a similar survey was conducted on Tuesday. The petitioners argue that historical texts, such as "Baburnamah" and "Ain-e-Akbari," document the destruction of the temple by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. Supporters of the survey believe it is a necessary step in uncovering historical truths, while critics view it as a provocation that violates the sanctity of religious places, as upheld by the Places of Worship Act, 1991. During the survey, some individuals in the crowd threw stones at the police team. The police used minor force and tear gas to bring the situation under control. Fifteen people, including three women, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Videos circulating online show the throwing of stones near the mosque. Despite the unrest, officials completed the survey as planned.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: An incident of stone pelting took place in Sambhal when a survey team reached Shahi Jama Masjid to conduct a survey of the mosque. Police used tear gas to control the situation.
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 24, 2024
Following a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain in the… pic.twitter.com/HWPRrVaN6P
The court has instructed to carry out video and photo documentation. The survey report is expected to be provided by November 29. The incident has triggered a wave of political and community reactions. A Congress Rajya Sabha MP shared a video on social media, raising questions about the police's role in the violence. The video shows a senior police officer firing a gun and instructing others to do the same, but the local police have denied any such firing. The opposition party leader accused the government of orchestrating the unrest to distract from allegations of electoral irregularities in recent by-elections. He called for the Supreme Court and the Bar Association to take action against those involved in disturbing social harmony. Another opposition MP also criticized the survey, citing the Places of Worship Act of 1991. The sacred place is a significant location. The highest court determined that religious sites as they were in the past year must stay as they are, stated Mr Barq.
