Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Nov 24: Three persons were killed and several others suffered injuries after chaos erupted in Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday morning as a court-ordered survey team reached the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid which led to violent clashes between locals and police.
The mosque is at the centre of a contentious legal battle over claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. Opposing the survey, hundreds of protesters came down to the streets and threw stones at the survey team, which was accompanied by heavy police deployment. In retaliatory action, the police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
According to the police, the violence began when a crowd gathered near the mosque as the survey team, led by an “Advocate Commissioner” began its work. The crowd swelled to nearly a thousand people, who tried to prevent the police from entering the mosque. Some individuals in the crowd threw stones at police personnel stationed at the site. The mob set more than ten vehicles on fire. The police responded with tear gas to disperse the mob. In the ensuing chaos, two individuals were killed and over 30 police personnel were injured.
“Three people identified as Naeem, Bilal and Nauman have been killed. Some policemen including the gunner of the superintendent of police have also been injured,” Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said. Mr Singh said. “After the survey was completed, the stone pelting started by three groups from three directions. The police used tear gas and plastic bullets to handle the situation. The police PRO was shot in the foot during the firing.”
The survey, which began at 7:30 am, was part of a process initiated by a petition claiming that a temple once stood where the mosque now stands. Tensions have been simmering in Sambhal since a similar survey was conducted on Tuesday. The petitioners argue that historical texts such as “Baburnama” and “Ain-e-Akbari” document the destruction of the temple by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.
Supporters of the survey argue it was 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.
“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. Those involved in the violence will be identified and action will be taken,” said Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi.
According to Mr Singh, 15 people, including three women, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Videos circulating online purportedly show the throwing of stones near the mosque, and several vehicles parked in the vicinity were reportedly set ablaze.
Despite the unrest, officials completed the survey as planned. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain stated that the survey team conducted a detailed examination of the site, supported by videography and photography as per the court’s directives, confirmed Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiyia. The Commission will present its report to the court on November 29.
DGP Prashant Kumar said, “A survey is being conducted in Sambhal on the orders of the court. Some anti-social elements have pelted stones. Police and senior officers are present on the spot. The situation is under control, the police will identify the stone pelters and take appropriate legal action.”
The incident has sparked a wave of political and community reactions. Reacting to the incident, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said strict action would be taken against those who disturb the law and order situation and hinder the legal process.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP-led government of orchestrating the unrest to distract from allegations of electoral malpractice in recent bypolls. “A serious incident occurred in Sambhal. A survey team was deliberately sent in the morning to disrupt discussions about the elections. The intention was to create chaos so that no debate on election issues could happen,” the Samajwadi Party chief claimed.
SP MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq also criticised the survey, citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991. “The Jama Masjid of Sambhal is a historic site. The Supreme Court had ruled that religious places as they existed in 1947 must remain unchanged,” Mr Barq said.
This survey was initiated after a court order on a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, who claimed the mosque was originally a temple. A similar survey was previously conducted on November 19, with local police and members of the mosque’s management committee present to oversee the process.
