Uttar Pradesh: Security personnel remained stationed in Sambhal for the third consecutive day on Wednesday after violence and unrest ensued over an ASI survey at Shahi Jama Masjid. Vehicles were set on fire after stone pelting erupted in Sambhal on November 24. The clash broke out when a survey team arrived at Sambhal Mosque to conduct a survey. Authorities have reportedly registered seven FIRs against more than 2,500 people, including Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq and Sohail, the son of MLA Iqbal Mahmood.
The death toll in Sambhal violence rose to five on Sunday morning after two more individuals succumbed to their injuries on Monday. According to reports, Internet services in the city will remain suspended, however, schools have been reopened after two days. Additionally, outsiders have been prohibited from entering the area until December 1.
SP MP, MLA’s Son Accused Of Inciting Locals
According to the FIR filed by local police, SP MP Zia Ur Rehman and Sambhal MLA’s son Sohail reportedly made provocative statements to instigate people before violence broke out over the survey of a mosque.
27 Arrested In Connection With Sambhal Violence
Speaking about the current situation, Sambhal SP Krishan Kumar told ANI that the internet shutdown will continue in the region while all other restrictions have been lifted as normalcy returns. So far, 27 people, including 25 men and 2 women, have been arrested in connection with the violence.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Security personnel present in Sambhal after an incident of stone pelting took place here when a survey team arrived to conduct a survey of Shahi Jama Masjid on 24th November.
Following the stone pelting incident, 7 FIRs have been registered, 27 people… pic.twitter.com/kcmsD9c0rB
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2024
“The police have processed all the CCTV footage of the people involved in the incident. More than 100 people have been identified. They will soon be apprehended by the police. In the last 24 hours, 27 people have been arrested, out of which 25 are men and 2 are women,” SP Kumar added.
In a joint press conference earlier, SP Bishnoi said that a complaint has been filed against as many as 800 people after the violence.
Security Measures Heightened In Sambhal
The security team near the mosque is deployed with two-way radios for communication, security batons, flashlights, firearms, vehicle barriers, and metal detectors to maintain security for local regulations.
Moradabad DC Urges People
Earlier Tuesday, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh urged people across all sections of society to refrain from making baseless statements. Singh confirmed on Monday that those accused in the Sambhal incident include a Samajwadi Party (SP) MP and the son of a local MLA, further assuring that the situation at the site of violence is now peaceful and an investigation is underway.
Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq Denies Allegations
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq had, however, denied the allegations of instigating violence in Sambhal over the mosque survey, ANI reported. He has even reportedly accused the Uttar Pradesh police administration of ‘conspiracy’ while claiming that the case registered against him was false, as he was not in the state when the violence erupted.
What Is Sambhal Mosque Controversy?
The Sambhal Mosque Controversy revolves around the claim made by Rishiraj Giri of Kela Devi temple and five other plaintiffs. In their petition, they asserted that the mosque was originally an ancient Hindu temple which was allegedly converted into a mosque by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. It was argued in the court that the temple comes under an Archaeological Survey Of India (ASI) protected area. the petition claimed that the signs and symbols inside the mosque indicate that it was once a Hindu temple.
The issue was brought to light after a petition was filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain in Sambhal’s Civil Judge court. Advocate Ramesh Raghav was reportedly appointed as the Advocate Commissioner for conducting the survey.
