4 dead, 25 arrested in Sambhal violence over mosque survey; Samajwadi Party MP among those charged

Violence broke out in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to the deaths of at least four people and injuries to more than 20 police officers. The violence occurred amid a tense atmosphere surrounding the mosque, which is at the center of a legal dispute over its origins. The mosque is alleged by some Hindu petitioners to have been built on the site of a Hindu temple destroyed by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529.

The survey, which was scheduled after an earlier attempt was halted, began on Sunday morning with the aim of documenting the site as part of an ongoing legal case. The petitioners representing the Hindu side have claimed that the mosque stands on the ruins of a Hindu temple, and their petition has been under consideration by the local court. The survey was conducted with video and photographic documentation, as per the court’s order. However, the survey triggered protests and violent clashes between locals and police, with demonstrators throwing stones at the officers and setting vehicles on fire.

Local police reported that at least 25 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, and over 400 others have been charged. Among those facing charges are Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and Nawab Suhail Iqbal, the son of another Samajwadi Party leader, Iqbal Mahmood. Authorities are investigating the involvement of several individuals using drone footage to identify those responsible for the unrest. In addition, police stated that the accused could face charges under the National Security Act (NSA), a law that allows for detention without trial in cases deemed a threat to national security.

During the unrest, more than 20 police personnel were injured. One constable sustained a head injury and is reported to be in critical condition. In response to the violence, police used tear gas and batons to control the crowd. The violence also led to the suspension of internet services in Sambhal for 24 hours, and schools were closed for students up to Class 12. Authorities imposed travel restrictions, barring any outsider, social organization, or public representative from entering the area without permission until November 30.

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar said that the situation worsened due to earlier statements made by MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, which he claimed contributed to the unrest. Barq, however, denied the accusation and criticized the police for their handling of the situation. “A murder case should be registered against them (police personnel) as they fired from private arms and not government arms,” Barq stated. He also alleged that the violence was part of a broader conspiracy to target Muslims.

The legal dispute surrounding the mosque dates back several years and involves claims that the mosque was built on the site of the Harihar temple, which Hindu groups claim was demolished during the Mughal period. The petition for the survey was filed by Hindu advocates to establish whether the mosque was constructed on the remains of the temple. The survey findings, which include video evidence and a detailed examination of the mosque's structure, are expected to be submitted to the court by November 29. The results could have significant implications for the ongoing legal proceedings, although tensions remain high in the area. In response to the violence, local authorities have urged calm and emphasized the importance of the legal process in resolving the dispute.