3 dead, over 30 cops injured in UP's Sambhal during violence over mosque survey

Three people were killed, and over 30 police personnel injured during violent clashes in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Wednesday morning. The violence erupted as a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque, took place amidst a heated legal dispute claiming it was built over a demolished Hindu temple.

The survey commenced at 7:30 am, led by an Advocate Commissioner, as directed by the court. A large crowd opposing the survey gathered near the mosque, growing to nearly a thousand people. Police stated that some individuals in the crowd began pelting stones at officers stationed at the site. In the chaos, more than ten vehicles, including police vans, were set ablaze. To control the situation, the police resorted to using tear gas.

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh identified the deceased as Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman. Among the injured were several police officers, including the gunner of the Superintendent of Police. "Those involved in the violence will be identified, and action will be taken," said Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi. He also confirmed that minor force was used to bring the situation under control.

The mosque has been a subject of legal scrutiny since a petition claimed that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. Petitioners cited historical texts such as Baburnama and Ain-e-Akbari as evidence. Despite the unrest, the survey was completed as planned, with videography and photography conducted at the site. Officials confirmed that the survey report would be submitted by November 29.

Authorities have arrested 15 people, including three women, in connection with the violence. Videos circulating online purportedly show incidents of stone-pelting near the mosque and vehicles engulfed in flames. Police are analyzing footage to identify more individuals involved in the unrest. Security has been tightened in the area to prevent further incidents.

The Places of Worship Act, 1991, which mandates maintaining the status quo of religious sites as they existed in 1947, has been central to the arguments of those opposing the survey. Tensions in Sambhal were already high following a similar survey earlier this week, which also faced stiff resistance from locals. Additional reinforcements have been deployed in the area, with officials stating that the situation is now under control. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the violence.