Sambhal: Situation remained tense in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Tuesday following Sunday’s violence over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid, leaving four people dead and some security personnel injured.
Heavy security deployment remains in place ahead of the visit by a 12-member delegation of the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Tuesday after Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP’s state government of inciting a “riot” and creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims.
Samajwadi Party leaders booked, delegation to visit Sambhal
Meanwhile, the police lodged cases against SP MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and local MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal as it arrested 25 people in connection with clashes during which stones were pelted while the cops fired some rounds to disperse the agitators.
The party has refuted the charges against its leaders and is expected to send a team to visit the mosque in Sambhal on Tuesday. The delegation will likely be led by Leader of Opposition in the UP Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey.
What caused violence in Sambhal?
Tensions had been simmering in Sambhal since 19 November, when the Jama Masjid was first surveyed under court orders following a petition alleging that a Harihar temple once stood at the site.
On Sunday, the situation escalated as a large crowd gathered near the mosque, shouting slogans as the survey team began its work. The protesters clashed with security personnel, setting vehicles ablaze and pelting stones.
The violence resulted in three deaths, with all victims around 25 years old. Scores of others, including security personnel and administrative officials, were injured. Another injured individual succumbed to injuries on Monday. The deceased have been buried.
Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar said a mob charged towards police after Barq proclaimed “Jama Masjid ki hifazat“ (protect the Jama Masjid) to the people.
In response, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders and restricted the entry of outsiders until 30 November. Internet services were suspended in Sambhal tehsil, schools were closed on Monday, and a magisterial inquiry was initiated.
On Sunday, a local leader urged the Archaeological Survey of India to take control of the site, claiming it as a “temple.” Gopal Sharma, a lawyer representing the Hindu side, reiterated claims that the temple was demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.
