Three people were killed in violent clashes over a mosque survey in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, according to Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Ananya Kumar. The deceased have been identified as Naeem, Bilal, and Niman. Kumar reported that 20 to 22 police officers, including the CO Sambhal, PRO to the SP Sambhal, and an SDM, were injured, along with others who sustained splinter wounds. In connection with the incident, 15 individuals have been detained.
Tensions flared in Sambhal during the second survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid when locals began throwing stones at the police team.
The police resorted to using tear gas and “minor force” to disperse the crowd in Sambhal. The area has been tense in recent days after a survey of the mosque was conducted last Tuesday, following a local court’s order. The survey was prompted by a petition claiming that a Harihar temple originally stood at the site.
The local administration stated that the second survey of the disputed site, conducted by an “Advocate Commissioner” as part of a court-ordered examination, began around 7 a.m. A crowd soon started to gather at the location.
Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said that some miscreants in the crowd near the site began throwing stones at the police team. In response, the police used minor force and tear gas to restore control of the situation.
The police official stated that those involved in stone-pelting, as well as those who incited the violence, will be identified and action will be taken against them. District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia confirmed, “Some miscreants resorted to stone-pelting, but the situation is now peaceful, and the survey is continuing.”
