Uttar Pradesh, November 26 — The death toll in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has risen to six following violent protests sparked by a court-ordered survey of the centuries-old Shahi Jama Masjid, local officials said on Tuesday. According to district magistrate Chirag Goyal, the six men were killed in crossfire during the unrest. Goyal claimed that the victims were shot by fellow rioters wielding homemade firearms, with police resorting only to tear gas and rubber bullets to control the crowd.
“The six killed were caught in crossfire by rioters using homemade pistols,” Goyal told news agency AFP.
The protests erupted on Sunday near the Mughal-era mosque, believed to have been constructed in 1526 during the reign of Babur and Humayun. Authorities suspect the violence was triggered by claims that the mosque was built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple.
Tight Security and Restrictions
An uneasy calm prevailed in the district on Tuesday as heavy police deployment and internet shutdowns continued to prevent further escalation. Internet services, suspended since Sunday, are expected to resume on Wednesday.
Markets and schools reopened, with security forces, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) units, stationed at sensitive locations. Entry of outsiders and public representatives into Sambhal has been restricted until November 30.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Moradabad Range Muniraj G said the situation was under control. “The markets are operational, and people should not worry. Those innocent will not be penalised. Seven FIRs have been filed, and we are identifying individuals using video footage,” he said.
Arrests and Allegations
Authorities have arrested 25 individuals and registered cases against 2,750 unidentified people. Prominent Samajwadi Party figures, including Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, son of MLA Iqbal Mehmood, were named in the FIRs.
Sohail Iqbal, however, denied any involvement. Speaking to news agency PTI, he claimed to have been away from the violence-stricken area during the unrest. “I was not present at the site. My name is being falsely implicated,” he said, demanding evidence from the police.
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the violence was pre-planned by the Uttar Pradesh government. “Our MP Zia-ur-Rehman was not even in Sambhal, yet he has been booked. The government must answer why a second survey was conducted without consultation,” he said.
Political Fallout
The incident has drawn widespread criticism and political reactions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alongside a party delegation, announced plans to visit Sambhal, although the visit is uncertain due to restrictions. “The BJP government’s actions are deepening divisions between Hindu and Muslim communities,” Gandhi alleged on Monday.
Meanwhile, a scheduled Samajwadi Party delegation visit to Sambhal was postponed after assurances from Uttar Pradesh Police Chief Prashant Kumar of a fair investigation. “The Director General of Police assured me no innocent person would be implicated, so we deferred our visit for three days,” said SP leader Mata Prasad Pandey.
Background and Investigation
Tensions began on November 19 when a survey of the mosque was conducted following court orders to investigate claims that a Hindu temple once stood at the site. On Sunday, renewed surveying led to protests, which turned violent as mobs clashed with police, torched vehicles, and pelted stones.
The violence left four people dead and over two dozen injured, including police and administrative personnel. A magisterial probe is underway, and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi confirmed that authorities were analyzing CCTV and drone footage to identify perpetrators.
As of now, the investigation continues while the district remains under heightened vigilance.
(With inputs from AFP, PTI, ANI and various other reports)
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
