Members of a judicial commission visited the Shahi Jama Masjid and surrounding areas on Sunday to investigate the violence that erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque on November 24. The visit took place amid tight security and was led by retired Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora, alongside retired IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain. The third member of the three-member commission, ex-IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad, was absent from the visit.
The commission, which arrived in Moradabad the previous day, was accompanied by Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, DIG Muniraj G, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya, and Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar. During the morning visit, the commission members refrained from addressing any media inquiries.
The violence in Sambhal resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to many others during the survey, which was linked to claims that a Harihar temple once stood at the mosque’s location. The judicial commission was established via a notification on November 28 and is tasked with completing its investigation within two months, with any extensions requiring government approval.
The commission is expected to determine whether the clashes were spontaneous or part of a premeditated conspiracy, as well as evaluate the preparedness of local law enforcement and administration in managing the situation.
Tensions had been escalating in Sambhal since November 19, when the court-ordered survey began. On November 24, protests near the mosque turned violent, resulting in stone pelting and arson, leading to five fatalities.
In response to the unrest, the Supreme Court has instructed the trial court in Sambhal to halt the mosque survey until the Shahi Idgah committee of the Jama Masjid appeals to the High Court. This order followed a plea from the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Committee contesting the trial court’s decision to commission the survey, which was based on claims that the mosque was constructed by Mughal emperor Babar in 1526 after demolishing a temple.
The Supreme Court has also mandated that the mosque committee’s petition be listed within three working days, while keeping the case pending for a hearing during the week starting January 6, 2025.
Additionally, a political controversy has emerged regarding the Sambhal district administration’s order prohibiting outsiders from entering the district until December 10 to maintain law and order. Police recently detained a 15-member delegation of Samajwadi Party leaders attempting to visit Sambhal, prompting a strong response from party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
