Three Dead, Cops Injured In Clashes Over Mosque Survey In Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal

Three individuals have died following violent clashes during the survey of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district, confirmed Moradabad divisional commissioner Ananya Kumar on Sunday.

"Three persons, namely Naeem, Bilal, and Noman, lost their lives during the clash," said Kumar.

Photo Credit: PTI

"Additionally, 20 to 22 police personnel, including officials such as the Circle Officer of Sambhal, the PRO to SP Sambhal, and an SDM, sustained injuries. Others injured suffered splinter wounds. Meanwhile, 15 individuals have been detained," he added.

Tensions escalated in Sambhal during the second survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid after locals threw stones at the police team. Police and security forces were deployed to maintain order as violence erupted amid claims that the mosque stands on the site of an ancient Hindu temple.

The authorities responded with tear gas and what they described as "minor force" to disperse the crowd. Sambhal has been tense in recent days, following a court-ordered survey last Tuesday in response to a petition alleging that a Harihar temple originally occupied the site.

According to the local administration, the second survey, conducted by an "Advocate Commissioner" as part of the court's directive to examine the disputed site, commenced around 7 am. A large crowd began to gather as the survey progressed.

"Some miscreants emerged from the crowd near the site and pelted stones at the police team. The police used minor force and tear gas to bring the situation under control," said Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi.

Vishnoi further stated that those responsible for the stone-throwing, along with those who incited them, would be identified and face appropriate action.

District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia added, "Some miscreants resorted to stone pelting, but the situation is now peaceful, and the survey is continuing."