Sambhal: Schools shut, internet suspended as mosque survey turns deadly

Sambhal: A court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid in Sambhal triggered violent clashes on Sunday, with the death toll rising to five and scores injured, including 20 police personnel. In the aftermath of the unrest, authorities implemented strict security measures on Monday, enforcing prohibitory orders, closing schools and colleges, and suspending Internet services in the area.

Outsiders are barred from entering Sambhal until December 1, and public gatherings and visits by public representatives are also prohibited.

According to police sources, weapons were confiscated from the homes of some of the 21 individuals arrested after Sunday’s violence. Among those detained are two women. Police are using CCTV footage to identify others involved, and more arrests are expected.

The Jama Masjid is at the center of a legal dispute over claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. The conflict escalated on Sunday morning as a survey team, led by an Advocate Commissioner, arrived to carry out the court-ordered inspection.

A crowd gathered near the mosque and swelled to nearly a thousand people, attempting to block the survey team and police from entering the premises. The situation turned violent when some in the crowd hurled stones at police personnel. Over ten police vehicles were set on fire.

Police responded with tear gas, but the chaos resulted in five fatalities and injuries to scores, including 20 police officers.

The survey, which began at 7:30 a.m., stems from a petition alleging that a Hindu temple was destroyed at the site by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. Petitioners cite historical texts like the Baburnamah and Ain-e-Akbari to support their claim.

While supporters of the survey argue it is essential to uncover historical truths, critics view it as an act of provocation and a violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which upholds the religious sanctity of sites as they existed in 1947.

Tensions in Sambhal have been high since a similar survey was conducted last Tuesday. Authorities are on high alert to prevent further escalation.

With IANS inputs