Sambhal Clashes Lead to Arrests and Political Tensions Amid Ongoing Disputes

Police have charged Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood's son, Sohail Iqbal, following clashes in Sambhal. The violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, resulting in four deaths. Authorities arrested 25 individuals involved in the unrest. Opposition parties criticised the BJP, accusing it of inciting communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims.

Political Reactions and Accusations

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the state government orchestrated the violence. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra claimed the BJP was creating divisions between communities. The BJP countered by labelling the violence as premeditated, suggesting it was instigated by those unsettled by the party's success in recent Uttar Pradesh Assembly bypolls.

The situation in Sambhal remained tense on Monday but was largely peaceful. Streets near Shahi Jama Masjid were deserted, with heavy police presence and ongoing patrols. Some shops reopened, and traffic flow returned to normal. Tensions had been escalating since November 19 when a court-ordered survey of the mosque began, following claims that a Harihar temple once stood at the site.

Details of the Incident

On Sunday, a large crowd gathered near the mosque as the survey team started work. Protesters clashed with security forces, setting vehicles on fire and throwing stones. Three people died during the violence, with many others injured, including security personnel and officials. A fourth person succumbed to injuries on Monday.

Authorities imposed prohibitory orders and restricted outsider entry until November 30. Internet services were suspended in Sambhal tehsil, and schools were closed on Monday. A magisterial inquiry has been initiated to investigate the incident further.

Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated that initial autopsy reports suggest gunshots from country-made weapons caused the deaths. He refrained from providing further details but noted that any misleading statements could incite further unrest.

Legal Actions and Investigations

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar announced seven FIRs related to the violence. Six individuals, including Barq and Iqbal, were named, while 2,750 others remain unidentified. Barq's earlier statements allegedly worsened the situation, prompting authorities to issue him a notice.

Barq's remark about protecting Jama Masjid reportedly mobilised the crowd. Although Barq was in Bengaluru during the violence, his name was included in the FIR due to previous statements. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya indicated that people from nearby areas contributed to the unrest.

Opposition members criticised the government during Parliament's Winter Session in Delhi. They accused the BJP of planning communal polarisation through this incident. Rahul Gandhi expressed concern over the state's biased actions on social media, holding the BJP accountable for escalating tensions.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also blamed BJP for communal tensions aimed at polarisation nationwide. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj described the violence as pre-planned. The Vishva Hindu Parishad accused Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders of making provocative remarks.

Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain filed a petition claiming a Harihar temple once stood at the mosque site. He urged for an advocate commission to survey it and requested ASI intervention to secure control over it. Local lawyer Gopal Sharma claimed Mughal emperor Babur demolished the temple in 1529.

The recent events have highlighted ongoing tensions between communities in Sambhal. Authorities continue investigating while political parties exchange accusations over responsibility for the violence. The situation remains under close observation as efforts are made to restore peace and order in the region.