Internet snapped, schools closed in UP's Sambhal following violence over mosque survey, 4 killed

Violence erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday morning after a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque, was met with resistance from local protesters. The mosque is at the center of a legal dispute, with claims that it was constructed on the site of a Hindu temple, which some assert was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529. The survey, ordered by the court, was part of a case examining these claims. The initial survey conducted earlier in the week had been halted, and the follow-up was scheduled for Sunday to avoid interference with midday prayers.

As the survey proceeded, clashes broke out between protesters and police. The crowd threw stones and set vehicles on fire, prompting the police to use tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. According to District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya, four people were killed in the violence, with two dying from bullet wounds caused by countrymade pistols. The cause of death for a third individual is still under investigation, pending post-mortem examination. Pensiya confirmed that about 20 police personnel were injured in the incident, with one constable critically injured after suffering a head wound.

The violence caused significant damage to public property, including the destruction of vehicles. The district administration took immediate action to control the situation by suspending internet services in Sambhal for 24 hours to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation. Additionally, schools and colleges in the district were closed on November 25, and prohibitory orders were issued under Section 144 to prevent further gatherings. Authorities restricted entry into the district for outsiders until November 30, requiring official permission to enter.

Despite the unrest, the court-ordered survey was completed as planned. The survey team conducted a detailed inspection of the site, documenting their findings with videography and photography, in accordance with the court's directives. The survey report is scheduled to be submitted by November 29. The district authorities also confirmed that 21 individuals, including three women, were detained in connection with the violence, and an investigation has been launched. Those involved in the violence are expected to face charges under the National Security Act (NSA).

Tensions in Sambhal have been mounting since last Tuesday when the first phase of the survey was carried out following a petition claiming the mosque was built on the remains of the Harihar temple. Supporters of the survey argue that it is necessary to uncover historical facts, while critics believe it violates the sanctity of religious places, especially under the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which protects the status of places of worship as they were on August 15, 1947. The survey was conducted in the presence of legal representatives to ensure it followed the proper procedures.

The violent clashes have triggered responses from political figures. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai condemned the increasing violence in the state under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government, while Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav called for immediate action by the Supreme Court, accusing the authorities of spreading tension in the region. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nalin Kohli emphasized that the law must be upheld and court orders must be followed. “Nobody has any right to break the law. If a court has passed an order, it will be implemented. The judicial process is available for those who want the order amended,” Kohli said.