Sambhal firing: SP leader suggests more deaths likely, UP Govt vows fair probe

In a viral video, an Imam of the Sambhal Jama Masjid can be heard urging the agitated people to return to their homes after the commotion when a team of officials conducted a court-ordered survey of the mosque to dig out the relics of the temple, as claimed by the Hindu petitioners.

The death count of the Muslims who were shot by the UP police is now reported to have risen to five, while Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Ram Gopal Yadav said that the deaths could be higher than the official report.

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has become the centre of escalating tensions after a violent clash between protesters and security personnel during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque resulted in the death of five, as of now, individuals and injuries to many others.

The incident began when a survey was conducted at the Sambhal Jama Masjid, a structure alleged by some Hindu groups to have been constructed on the site of an ancient Harihar temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

In the wake of the violence, internet services in the region have been suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours. Authorities are focusing on restoring order and addressing the situation through legal channels.

The Uttar Pradesh government has assured a thorough investigation into the incident to uncover the circumstances that led to the fatalities and unrest.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the incident, attributing it to what he described as the insensitive actions of the ruling BJP. Gandhi accused the BJP-led state government of fostering communal divisions and handling the situation in a biased and hasty manner, leading to the tragic loss of lives.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved families while highlighting the government's alleged role in exacerbating tensions.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has also taken a stand on the issue, with its leader demanding parliamentary discussion on the deaths of three individuals during the unrest. Citing fundamental rights under the Constitution, the AIMIM has called for accountability regarding the police's actions, specifically their use of force against demonstrators.

Adding to the controversy, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has held the district administration responsible for mishandling the situation. Senior SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav criticised the judiciary for proceeding with the survey without adequately notifying the affected parties.

He alleged that the district administration’s decision to initiate the survey early in the morning, despite the already charged atmosphere, further inflamed tensions. Yadav also highlighted concerns over underreporting of casualties, claiming that the official death toll does not reflect the actual loss of lives.

A petition has been filed with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by the DK Foundation of Freedom and Justice. The petition alleges discriminatory action by the police, claiming that the Muslim community faced indiscriminate firing that led to the deaths. The petition has called for an investigation into the matter and condemned the actions of the police as a breach of human rights.

The BJP, defending its stance, maintained that the survey was conducted under judicial orders and emphasised the importance of adhering to the law. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak expressed sadness over the incident and reiterated the government’s commitment to a fair and impartial investigation.