Violence erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Masjid, leaving four dead and sparking allegations of police excesses and community conflict. With internet suspended and prohibitory orders in place, political parties blame the BJP-led administration for escalating unrest.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi
As tensions persist in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following violent clashes during a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Masjid, the identities of the four deceased have been confirmed—all belonging to the Muslim community. This revelation has deepened the ongoing debate over who triggered the violence, with both sides presenting conflicting accounts.
The unrest erupted amid allegations that the mosque was built on the site of a demolished temple during the Mughal era. Protesters opposing the Advocate Commission’s survey reportedly began stone pelting and setting vehicles ablaze early Sunday morning. Police responded with tear gas to control the situation, but the clashes continued for several hours.
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In the aftermath, the district administration implemented strict measures: internet services were suspended for 24 hours, educational institutions were shut down, and prohibitory orders banning public gatherings were enforced. Authorities also restricted the purchase and stockpiling of materials such as stones, soda bottles, and other potentially dangerous items to prevent further escalation.
The deceased—Nauman, Bilal, Naim, and Mohd Kaif—are alleged to have succumbed to bullet injuries, though police have stated that autopsy reports will confirm the exact cause of death. Law enforcement also reported that gunfire was exchanged during the clashes, with officials sustaining pellet injuries. Twenty-one individuals have been detained, and a cache of weapons was seized from them.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the BJP-led government of mishandling the situation. The Congress termed the violence a “well-planned conspiracy,” alleging that police fired directly at protesters under the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also accused the government of inciting violence as a diversion from alleged electoral irregularities.
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat holds UP govt responsible for Sambhal violence.
VIDEO | “This very serious incident in Sambhal is entirely the responsibility of the UP government. Without giving any notice to people concerned, you sent a team for survey. It is a very sensitive issue, so unless those directly affected are taken into confidence, to have a… pic.twitter.com/Hts1nEAWEj
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2024
As Sambhal remains under heavy security and political tensions simmer, the incident raises critical questions about governance, communal harmony, and the role of law enforcement in managing sensitive disputes. The political fallout from the violence is expected to resonate far beyond the district.
District Authorities Impose Strict Measures
In the wake of the violence, the Sambhal District Magistrate issued a notice prohibiting outsiders, social organizations, or public representatives from entering the area without official permission. The order, which is in effect until November 30, also prohibits the gathering of materials such as stones or flammable items, and construction materials are being confiscated from public spaces.
Sambhal Violence Live: Complaint filed against 800, key instigators named; 25 arrested, says SP
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#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi says, “…Our sub-inspector Deepak Rathi who got injured yesterday has filed a complaint against 800 people. Zia Ur Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal have been made accused. He said they instigated the mob. Barq was given notice… pic.twitter.com/gf7yRl9Bz6
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2024
