Sambhal, November 25, 2024: Seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the recent violence over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, with Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, son of local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood, named as accused. Police said 25 individuals have been arrested so far, while over 2,750 unidentified people were also implicated in the case.
Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar said the arrests and FIRs followed clashes on Sunday that left four dead, including three on the same day and one succumbing to injuries Monday. “Barq’s earlier statements, particularly his call to protect the mosque, significantly escalated tensions,” Kumar said, adding that prior warnings had been issued to the MP.
Violence erupted when protesters opposing the survey gathered near the mosque as the team began its work. The situation escalated into stone-pelting and clashes, leaving several security personnel and officials injured. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and barred the entry of outsiders into Sambhal district until November 30.
The district administration also suspended internet services in Sambhal tehsil and declared a holiday for all schools Monday. A magisterial inquiry into the violence has been ordered.
Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated that autopsies indicated the fatalities were caused by gunshots fired from country-made weapons. “We are still investigating the exact circumstances,” Singh said.
The Shahi Jama Masjid survey was ordered by a Civil Judge (Senior Division) following claims that a Harihar temple once stood on the site before being demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the petitioners, called for the Archaeological Survey of India to take control of the disputed site.
The FIRs include charges of rioting and other offenses, with two registered at Nakasa police station and the remaining at Sambhal Kotwali. “Efforts are ongoing to identify more suspects involved in the violence,” Kumar said.
While the city is under tight security, District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya said normalcy is gradually returning. “Traffic is flowing, and some shops have reopened. However, the area near the mosque remains under heavy police surveillance,” he said.
Sunday’s violence has brought renewed attention to the sensitive dispute over the mosque, with authorities urging calm as investigations continue.
