Sambhal Violence: 3 Killed, 20 Injured in Clashes Over Jama Masjid Survey, Police Deny Using Firearms
At least three people lost their lives and over 20 police officers got injured in Sambhal town in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, November 24, following violent clashes near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot West. "Local officials said stone pelting and arson erupting following arrival of a court-directed survey team to inspect the mosque".
The bodies of the three persons killed in violence have been identified. Naeem is from Kot Kurvi, Bilal from Sarai Tareen, and Numan from Hayat Nagar, says Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh. The bodies of the victims were returned to their families after their post-mortem was conducted.
Singh admitted in a statement that various groups were exchanging fire during the riots, but he ruled out that the police had opened direct fire on civilians. SP of Sambhal Krishna Kumar Bishnoi clarified that although the police used pellet guns to bring the procession under control, autopsy reports suggested that the victims had been shot with a .315 bore firearm.
Violent events followed a second court-mandated survey of the Jama Masjid, which was linked to allegations of claims that the mosque was constructed on the site of an existing 16th-century temple. The first survey was conducted on November 19. The tense nature of the survey has been a concern for now; unrest spreads.
Following the violence, authorities imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services in the district to prevent further unrest. Schools in the area were also shut as a precaution. Local police have arrested 15 people, including two women, in connection with the incident.
The tragic clashes have sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera accused the government of orchestrating a "well-planned conspiracy," while Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav called for a Supreme Court investigation into the matter, alleging that the violence was politically motivated to distract from electoral issues.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak assured an independent probe saying the perpetrators of violence would be brought to book. Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya confirmed security measures in place to prevent the situation from further deteriorating and warned that any misuse of social media will lead to legal action.
When the tensions remained high in Sambhal, local leaders were urging peace, reporting that the rioters were not from the immediate neighborhood, and all efforts were being done to restore order with strict maintenance of law.
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