Two people lost their lives on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district following violent clashes between a mob and the police over a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey was ordered in response to a complaint by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, alleging that the mosque was built on the ruins of a temple, Hari Har Mandir, demolished by Mughal emperor Babar.
Hundreds of protesters gathered near the mosque to oppose the survey, with the situation escalating as stones were hurled at the survey team, which was protected by a large police contingent. Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Police have confirmed the fatalities but have yet to release the victims’ identities. While initial reports suggest the victims sustained bullet wounds, the exact cause of death will be determined after autopsy results are received.
Despite efforts by senior police officials and an appeal from the mosque’s head to maintain peace, the protestors remained defiant and intensified their stone-pelting.
“The survey was conducted as per court orders. Some anti-social elements disrupted the process by pelting stones. The situation is under control, and legal action will be taken against the culprits,” said Uttar Pradesh’s top police officer, Prashant Kumar.
Sub-Inspector Vikas Nirwal, who was injured during the incident, reported that the mob, numbering over 300, specifically targeted police personnel and vehicles.
Following the clash, 18 individuals were detained, and a drone survey was deployed to trace additional protestors. Prohibitory orders remain in effect, restricting gatherings to no more than five people in the area.
Despite the violence, authorities confirmed that the survey was completed and documented through video and photographs. The report is slated to be presented to the court on November 29, according to Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiyia.
The area has witnessed heightened tensions in recent days. The allegations in the case claim that a temple stood at the mosque site until 1529, when it was partially demolished under Babar’s rule. Vishnu Shankar Jain and his father, Hari Shankar Jain, are prominent advocates for the Hindu side in disputes related to religious sites, including the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath case.
Ahead of the incident, authorities had preemptively “bound down” 35 individuals, requiring them to post bonds of up to ₹10 lakh as a precautionary measure against potential disruptions.