Tensions escalate in UP's Sambhal over masjid survey, police fire tear gas as protesters pelt stones (WATCH)
By Deepu Mohan | First Published Nov 24, 2024, 1:16 PM ISTViolent clashes erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, as protesters opposed a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, claiming it was built on a demolished temple.
A clash broke out in Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday as a group protested against a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey was initiated after a court order, following a complaint that a temple was demolished by Mughals to build the mosque.
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Hundreds of protesters gathered near the mosque as the survey team arrived. Despite the heavy police deployment, the situation turned violent, with the mob throwing stones at the survey team. The police retaliated by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Stones pelted by radical crowd at the survey team which reached Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, UP to conduct a court-ordered survey of the mosque. pic.twitter.com/rYaG1E4jdl
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates)The head of Jama Masjid urged the crowd to disperse, but they continued to protest. Police officials also tried to pacify the crowd, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
संभल, यूपी में जामा मस्जिद के सर्वे का विरोध कर रहे लोगों ने एक गाड़ी में आग लगाई। pic.twitter.com/uWKYLzKQ56
— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP)According to Uttar Pradesh top cop Prashant Kumar, "A survey is being conducted in Sambhal on the orders of the court. Some anti-social elements have pelted stones. Police and senior officers are present on the spot. The situation is under control, the police will identify the stone pelters and take appropriate legal action."
"अपना भविष्य बर्बाद मत करो इन नेताओं के चक्कर में"
संभल, यूपी में बवाल के बाद SP कृष्ण विश्नोई ये बात भीड़ से कह रहे हैं। pic.twitter.com/9M3UvnzQfr
Despite the violence, the Advocate Commission successfully completed the survey, which was videographed and photographed. The Commission is set to present its report to the court on November 29.
The survey was scheduled following a court complaint by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, claiming that the mosque was originally a temple. According to him, a temple, Hari Har Mandir, once stood at the site of the masjid and that Mughal emperor Babar partially demolished it in 1529.
The area has witnessed heightened tension over the past few days, with a heavy police force deployed and prohibitory orders imposed to prevent any gathering of more than five people. On Saturday, the district administration 'bound down' 35 people on a bond of up to Rs 10 lakh to maintain peace and order.
Sambhal, a city with a rich history and cultural significance, has been a hub of communal tensions in recent times. The city is home to the Shahi Jama Masjid, a historic mosque built during the Mughal era.
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