Violence erupted in Sambhal during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, leaving four people dead and injuring scores, including 24 police and administrative personnel. Authorities have since arrested 25 individuals and filed seven FIRs related to the incident.
Sambhal police have named Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, son of local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood, in connection with the violence. According to Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar, Barq’s earlier statement to “protect Jama Masjid” allegedly incited unrest. Although Barq was in Bengaluru at the time of the violence, police included his name in the FIR based on his past remarks.
Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh suggested that gunshots from country-made weapons were the likely cause of death. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya reported that the mob, responsible for stone-pelting and vehicle torching, was comprised of locals living within a 10–15 km radius.
The violence followed a second survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid ordered by a local court. The survey was initiated in response to a petition claiming the mosque was constructed on the ruins of a temple demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. The first survey had concluded peacefully the previous week.
Opposition Criticizes BJP Government
Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticized the Uttar Pradesh BJP government. Rahul Gandhi accused the administration of acting hastily and insensitively, further escalating tensions and leading to fatalities. He alleged that the BJP’s approach fosters Hindu-Muslim divides, which he called detrimental to the state and the nation.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj described the violence as “pre-planned,” highlighting contrasting narratives surrounding the incident.
