Sambhal, Nov 24: Three people were killed on Sunday when protests against a court-mandated survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal turned violent, leading to clashes with security forces.
The protesters, opposing the survey, attempted to set vehicles on fire and threw stones at the police. In response, the police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. During the unrest, gunshots were fired by some individuals, injuring several officers. "Some pellets hit our policemen. We are investigating the source of the shots, especially in the Deepa Sarai area," an officer reported.
Tensions in the region had been escalating since Tuesday, following a local court's order for a survey of the Jama Masjid, triggered by a petition that claimed a Harihar temple once stood at the site. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed the deaths of three individuals—identified as Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman—and reported that several police officers, including the gunner of the superintendent of police, were injured.
Authorities have detained ten people, including two women, and launched an investigation. Some individuals are also accused of setting fire to motorcycles parked on the roadside. The official added that those responsible for the violence would face charges under the National Security Act (NSA).
The violence erupted on Sunday morning when a large group gathered near the mosque and began chanting slogans as the survey team began its work at Shahi Jama Masjid. To avoid disruption of afternoon prayers at the mosque, the survey had been scheduled for the morning.
