Sambhal Mosque Survey Violence: In Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, protests against the survey of Jama Masjid escalated into a violent clash with the police on Sunday. This resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to around 20 security personnel. In the aftermath, the authorities have ordered the closure of schools up to the 12th grade and imposed an internet shutdown. The identification of the troublemakers is underway.
Tension had been mounting in Sambhal since Tuesday after a local court ordered a survey of the Jama Masjid. A petition was subsequently filed, alleging the mosque's site was once the Harihar Temple. On Sunday, the protesters set vehicles ablaze and pelted stones at the police. In response, the police resorted to tear gas and batons to disperse the mob.
Source: aajtak
Commissioner Remarks on Violence: 20 Officers Injured
Moradabad Commissioner Anjaney Kumar Singh stated, "Miscreants opened fire. The PRO of the Superintendent of Police suffered a leg injury from the gunfire. The CO was hit by pellets. In this violence, 15 to 20 security personnel were injured." He further reported that a constable sustained a severe head injury and the Deputy Collector fractured his leg. The violent incident claimed the lives of three individuals named Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman, and arrangements for their postmortem are in progress.
10 Detained Amidst Investigation, NSA Imposed
A police officer revealed that 10 individuals, including two women, have been detained. An investigation into the violence has commenced. Motorcycles parked roadside were set ablaze by some protesters. Authorities are probing the source of gunfire, particularly in the Deepa Sarai area. Strict legal action under the National Security Act (NSA) will be taken against those responsible for the violence, who are currently being identified.
Source: aajtak
Massive Gathering at Mosque Sparks Violence
The violence erupted on Sunday morning when a large crowd gathered at the Shahi Jama Masjid as the survey team began its work. Authorities explained that the survey was scheduled for the morning to avoid disrupting the prayer, usually held in the afternoon. The survey, commissioned by the court, started around 7 AM that morning, shortly after which the crowd began to assemble.
Divisional Commissioner Comments on Escalation
Moradabad Divisional Commissioner noted, "The survey was proceeding peacefully when a group gathered near the mosque and began shouting slogans. When the police attempted to clear the area, a fraction of the crowd resorted to stone-pelting. There were instigators in the crowd whose intention was to disturb the peace, and gradually they turned violent, targeting the police."
Superintendent of Police Talks About Force Usage
SP Krishan Kumar Vishnoi commented, "To gain control over the situation, the police employed minimal force, including tear gas canisters. The stone-pelters and their provocateurs will be identified and action will be taken against them. We are in the process of registering FIRs." District Magistrate Rajendra Pesiya added, "Some troublemakers engaged in stone-pelting, but the situation is now peaceful. We have detained about 10 persons connected to the incident."
Source: aajtak
DGP Warns of Strict Measures Against Miscreants
UP DGP Prashant Kumar emphasized that the situation in Sambhal is under control. He asserted, "We are closely monitoring everything. Police and administrative officers are managing the situation on-site and patrolling affected areas. Miscreants will soon be identified and stringent action will be taken against them. Additional police forces have been deployed near the mosque for law and order maintenance. Officers are keeping a vigilant watch over the situation."
Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes Government Over Clashes
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP government and the administration of conspiracy to divert attention from electoral issues through orchestrating violence in Sambhal. He stated, "The incident in Sambhal is severe. To interrupt discussions on elections, a survey team was deliberately deployed in the morning to create chaos and prevent any debate on electoral issues. I would avoid delving into legal aspects, considering the other side's perspectives were unheard."
Source: aajtak
Conspiracy Allegations by Political Rivals
Akhilesh Yadav accused, "What transpired in Sambhal was a strategy by BJP, the government, and the administration to distract from electoral discrepancies." On Saturday, the Sambhal District Administration restrained 34 people, fearing peace disturbance, by imposing a bond of up to 1 million rupees. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra disclosed that those restrained included the father of Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP Jiya Ur Rahman Bark, Mamlookur Rahman Bark.
Source: aajtak
Court Orders Jama Masjid Survey
Petitioner Vishnu Shankar Jain, an advocate of the Supreme Court, stated that the Civil Judge (Senior Division) ordered the formation of an Advocate Commission to conduct a survey of the mosque. The court has directed that videography and photography surveys be completed by the commission, followed by a report submission. Last Tuesday, it was decreed that in the petition associated with the mosque, the Central and UP governments, mosque committee, and Sambhal District Magistrate be made parties to the case.
