Sambhal mosque violence: Death toll reaches 5, police deny use of firearms | Top updates

Sambhal: Five people lost their lives and many others were injured, including 36 police and administrative officials, after violent clashes erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Sunday. The unrest erupted amid a court-mandated survey of a Mughal-era mosque.

The situation escalated when a mob pelted stones at police personnel and the survey team, setting vehicles ablaze. To restore order, law the police resorted to lathi charges and tear gas. In response to the incident, the district administration has closed all schools for November 25 and suspended internet services to curb the spread of rumours.

Top updates:

• The survey of the Shahi Masjid in Sambhal district was scheduled early on Sunday morning to avoid disrupting prayers, which are typically held in the afternoon.
• The district administration suspended internet services also directed all schools up to Class 12 to remain closed on Monday as a precautionary measure.
• AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly condemned the incident. In a post on X, he called for an impartial probe.
• Congress leader Pawan Khera also issues a condemnation, labelling the incident as a ‘well-planned conspiracy’
• District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia siad that the survey team arrived at the mosque at 7 am and the situation remained calm for the first two hours. The survey was completed without any issues. However, tensions escalated when a crowd suddenly gathered, leading to stone pelting and firing.
• A video allegedly showed Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar appealing to the crowd to refrain from violence, warning them not to ruin their futures for political motives. Kumar denied allegations that police used firearms, clarifying that only non-lethal pellet guns were deployed. “No lethal weapons were used,” he confirmed.
• The police detained 21 people, including two women, and seized various weapons, along with bullet shells of multiple bores found from the site of the unrest.
• An official said that all those involved in the violence would be booked under the National Security Act.
• The survey had been ordered by a local court in response to a petition claiming that the mosque was constructed over the ruins of the Harihar temple.
• Gopal Sharma, a lawyer representing the Hindu side, alleged that the temple was demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.