Four people were killed, and several others injured, including 20 police officers, during violent protests in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday. The unrest erupted over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Masjid, with allegations that the mosque was built during the Mughal era by demolishing a temple.
A case has been registered against Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, the son of local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, accusing them of inciting violence and mobilizing protesters. In response to the unrest, internet services have been suspended for 24 hours, schools and colleges have been shut, and prohibitory orders banning public gatherings are in effect.
The violence began when hundreds of protesters opposed the survey, leading to stone pelting and vehicles being set ablaze. Police used tear gas to control the mob, but the clashes persisted for hours. Visuals showed protesters throwing stones from rooftops near the Shahi Masjid, and later, police attempting to disperse crowds in narrow alleys.
Among those killed were Nauman, Bilal, Naim, and Mohd Kaif. Allegations suggest the victims sustained gunshot wounds, though authorities say the exact cause of death will be confirmed after autopsies. Over 20 people have been detained, including two women, with charges under the National Security Act (NSA likely for those involved in the violence.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political parties. The Congress accused the BJP of orchestrating a “well-planned conspiracy,” alleging that police fired directly at protesters. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also blamed the BJP government for fueling violence to distract from alleged electoral misconduct.
The BJP dismissed these accusations, alleging that opposition parties from the INDIA alliance were trying to incite unrest following their losses in the Lok Sabha elections. BJP leaders urged those opposed to the court’s decision to seek legal remedies instead of resorting to violence.
Tensions had been escalating since November 19, when the first survey of the mosque was conducted following a petition claiming a Harihar temple once stood at the site. The second survey was completed on Sunday despite the violence. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been urged to take charge of the disputed site.
