Sambhal Violence Erupts Over Shahi Jama Masjid Survey: 4 Dead, Internet Shutdown, Schools Closed

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:

Shahi Jama Masjid survey: Violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Sunday morning during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, leaving three people dead and several injured, including police and administrative officials. The clashes prompted the suspension of internet services, closure of schools, and a sharp political reaction from Congress leader Pawan Khera.

Protests Turn Violent

Protesters opposing the survey pelted stones, set vehicles ablaze, and clashed with security personnel. Police used tear gas and batons to control the crowd, but the situation escalated. Reports indicate that firearms were used by miscreants, injuring several, including the PRO of the Superintendent of Police and a circle officer, both of whom suffered gunshot wounds.

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed that 15 to 20 security personnel sustained injuries in the violence. The administration has detained 20 individuals and announced that those responsible will be booked under the National Security Act (NSA).

#WATCH | Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: On the stone pelting incident in Sambhal, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh says, "The survey was going on between 7 am to 11 am as per the directions of the court. The survey was going on peacefully. Adequate police forces… pic.twitter.com/QYn0KQm2iG

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2024

Internet Suspended, Schools Closed

As a precaution, the district administration suspended internet services in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and declared November 25 a holiday for all schools up to Class 12. Social media was flooded with visuals of the violence, showing streets strewn with bricks and police in riot gear attempting to disperse stone-throwing mobs.

Political Reaction

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government, calling the violence a “well-planned conspiracy.” He accused the administration of failing to maintain law and order, stating,
“No citizen in Uttar Pradesh is safe under CM Adityanath, who gave the reprehensible slogan of ‘Batenge toh Katenge.’ The videos of direct firing on protesters depict the horrifying result of a well-planned conspiracy by CM Adityanath and the BJP-RSS.”

Khera emphasized that Western Uttar Pradesh, once a symbol of communal harmony, had been tarnished by the violence in Sambhal.

Legal Context

The violence occurred during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) had ordered an “Advocate Commission” to conduct the survey, including videography and photography. Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, a petitioner in the case, urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take control of what he claims is a temple site demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529.

Administration’s Response

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar, seen in viral videos urging protesters to stop the violence, assured that the situation was under control. Officials stated that efforts were underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the clashes.

#WATCH | Sambhal: On the stone pelting incident in Sambhal, Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi says, "…The situation is under control and additional force has also been deployed…Internet services have been suspended for a day…Some people started pelting stones at the police… pic.twitter.com/QcCu4UlF4n

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2024

The violence in Sambhal highlights deepening communal tensions in the region. As the legal battle over the mosque survey continues, authorities face mounting pressure to maintain peace and order while addressing public grievances.