Controversial Survey Of Shahi Jama Masjid In UP's Sambhal Invites Stone Pelting, Arson, Tear Gas

On Sunday morning, Uttar Pradesh police used tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse a crowd that threw stones at officers conducting the second survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid mosque in Sambhal.

The mob also set fire to some vehicles. Despite the unrest, the survey was completed, and the team was safely escorted from the area, according to the police.

Photo Credit: PTI

The survey, ordered by a local court, was in connection with a petition alleging that the mosque was constructed on the remains of the Harihar temple.

Local authorities reported that the second survey, conducted by an "Advocate Commissioner" as part of a court-ordered investigation into the disputed site, began around 7 am.

"Some miscreants emerged from the crowd gathered near the site and threw stones at the police team. The police responded with minimal force and tear gas to control the situation," said Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi, as reported by PTI.

The police added that the individuals involved in the stone-throwing will be identified and charged. District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia stated, "Some miscreants resorted to stone pelting, but the situation is now peaceful, and the survey is proceeding."

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that action would be taken against anyone obstructing the survey.

"It is the duty of the government and the police to follow the court's instructions, and action will be taken against anyone who hinders this process," he said.

The Samajwadi Party condemned the UP government's handling of the survey.

"The Sambhal police, administration, and BJP have been provoking people in the Shahi Masjid issue under the guise of the ASI survey. This comes a day after the BJP claimed victory in the Kundarki area. Is this the reward for Kundarki? The Places of Worship Act 1991 states that, barring the Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir issue, no other structure should be altered. Yet, after the elections, the BJP has resumed its divisive tactics. This is harmful to the integrity of the nation," said SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei.

The matter began when Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain filed the petition. He said that the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) ordered the formation of an "Advocate Commission" to survey the mosque. The court instructed a report to be filed after conducting videography and photography of the site.

Jain noted that the central and Uttar Pradesh governments, the mosque committee, and the district magistrate of Sambhal were all parties to the petition.

Gopal Sharma, a local lawyer representing the Hindu side, claimed that the Harihar temple was mentioned in both the 'Baburnama' and the 'Ain-e-Akbari', alleging it was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529.

(With PTI inputs)