In Uttar Pradesh's Sambhale, a violent clash broke out in the morning over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid. Three people were killed and more than 30 policemen injured in clashes between police and locals on Thursday (November 24). Indian media NDTV reported this news.
Police said that when the survey team led by Advocate Commissioner started work at 7.30 am, people started gathering in front of the mosque. A clash broke out when the crowd tried to prevent the police from entering. At one point, the crowd grew to more than a thousand people.
A section of the crowd started pelting stones at the police. As the tension escalated, more than 10 vehicles were torched. Police fired tear gas to bring the situation under control. During this two persons were killed and more than 30 members of the police were injured.
Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Anjaney Kumar Singh said that the identity of the deceased has been confirmed. They are Naeem, Bilal and Nauman. Several policemen including the gunman of the Superintendent of Police were injured in the clash.
A legal battle is going on over the Jama Masjid. The petitioners claimed that there was a temple earlier on the site of the mosque. In support of this claim, they cited historical texts 'Baburnama' and 'Ain-e-Akbari', which claim that the Mughal Emperor Babur destroyed the temple in 1529.
Supporters of the survey say it is a necessary step in uncovering the historical truth. Critics, on the other hand, feel that it is a violation of the 1991 Places of Worship Act and a violation of the sanctity of religious places.
Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi said that when a section of the crowd pelted stones, the police brought the situation under control using minor force and tear gas. Those involved in violence will be identified and punished.
Moradabad Police Commissioner Ananjay Kumar Singh said that 15 people, including three women, have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the incident. In a video circulating on social media, stones were pelted in front of the mosque and several cars were set on fire.
There was a strong political reaction to the incident. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the government deliberately sent survey teams to create the violence to divert attention from the discussion on electoral irregularities.
Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rahman Barak criticized the survey and said, Jame Masjid in Sambhal is a historical place. The Supreme Court has ruled to keep the status of the religious establishment unchanged in 1947.
Despite the tension, the survey work has been completed as per the court order. The survey team's advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said that the team conducted a detailed survey of the site and collected information through videography and photography. The report will be submitted to the court on November 29.
