At least 25 people were arrested, and seven cases were registered against nearly 400 individuals following deadly clashes over a mosque survey in Sambhal on Sunday. The violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque that has become the center of a legal dispute claiming it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. Four people were killed in the unrest, and more than 20 police officers were injured.
Among those charged in connection with the violence were Ziaur Rahman Barq, a Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament (MP) from Sambhal, and Nawab Suhail Iqbal, son of party colleague Iqbal Mahmood. According to officials, the clashes occurred when local residents and police clashed during the survey, with protesters throwing stones at officers and setting vehicles on fire. The police responded with tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.
A police constable, who suffered a head injury during the confrontation, is reportedly in critical condition. “The situation worsened due to Barq’s earlier statement,” said Krishan Kumar, the Superintendent of Police, at a press conference. Authorities are currently identifying the protesters through drone footage, and those responsible will be charged under the National Security Act (NSA), Kumar added.
Barq, speaking to the media, blamed the police for the violence and accused them of being part of a “conspiracy.” He further claimed that “Muslims were targeted and killed” during the clashes. Barq called for a murder case to be filed against the police, alleging they used private weapons during the incident rather than official government arms.
Also read: Justin Trudeau calls intelligence leaks “criminal” amid tensions with India
To control the situation, the local administration suspended internet services in Sambhal for 24 hours and shut schools for all students up to Class 12 on Monday. In addition, officials prohibited outsiders, social organizations, and public representatives from entering the town without prior permission until November 30.
The survey itself, ordered by a local court following a petition claiming the mosque stood on the site of the now-destroyed Harihar temple, had already sparked tension in the region. A Hindu advocate involved in the case argued that the temple had been demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529. Supporters of the survey say it is necessary to uncover historical facts, while critics contend that it undermines the sanctity of religious sites, citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
The survey, which had been delayed on Tuesday, resumed on Sunday morning to avoid interfering with regular prayers held in the mosque. The team conducted a thorough examination, supported by videography and photography as per the court’s instructions. The survey report is expected to be submitted by November 29.
