Sambhal mosque survey violence: Death toll rises to five; FIR registered against MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, SP MLA’s son

Violence broke out in the district on Sunday as protesters opposing the survey of Sambhal’s Jama Masjid clashed with security personnel

The death toll in the unrest that broke out in Sambhal during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque has risen to five. Two more persons died during treatment in Moradabad late on Sunday (November 24, 2024) night, sources said. The deceased have been identified as Mohd Kaif and Mohd Ayan. 

Also read: Sambhal mosque survey violence: SC should take cognisance, says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Tension flared in the town in Western Uttar Pradesh when a mob pelted stones at the survey team and police personnel leaving 36 policemen injured. Several vehicles were also set on fire. The Uttar Pradesh Police has denied using firearms to control the situation

An FIR has been registered against Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq for inciting violence on Sunday. According to The Hindu’s official sources, seven FIRs have been registered in two police stations so far.

Meanwhile, Sambhal’s district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30.

The order has been issued under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), said District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya late on Sunday.

Also read | The right and the future of India’s masjids

“No outsiders, other social organisations or public representatives will enter the district border without the permission of the competent officer,” said the order, which came into force with immediate effect.

Violation of the order will be punishable under Section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the BNS.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad) Muniraj told reporters on Monday that Naeem, Bilal and Nauman — the three men who died in Sunday’s violence — had been buried.

All three were aged about 25.

The officer added that those involved in the violence were being identified on the basis of available videos and action would be taken against them.

“Right now, we are engaged in maintaining peace and the situation is under control,” he said.

Violence broke out in the district on Sunday as protesters opposing the survey of the Jama Masjid clashed with security personnel. The protesters torched vehicles and pelted the police with stones while the security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob.

Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, “Shots were fired by miscreants... the PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence.” A constable also suffered a serious head injury while the deputy collector fractured his leg.

Twenty-one people, including two women, have been detained and a probe has been launched, the official had said, adding that those accused in the violence would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

District Magistrate Pensiya had said, “The casualty count stands at three. The reason for the deaths of two is clear -- bullet wounds from countrymade pistols. The reason for the death of the third person is not clear but it will be after post-mortem.” Internet services were soon suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday in all schools for Monday.

Tension had been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the Jama Masjid was first surveyed on the court’s orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple had stood at the site.

On Sunday, trouble started early when a large group of people gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team began its work.

District officials said the survey could not be completed on Tuesday and was planned for Sunday to avoid interference with afternoon prayers.

Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is a petitioner in the case, had earlier said the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) ordered the constitution of an “advocate commission” to survey the mosque.

The court has said a report should be filed after conducting a videography and photography survey through the commission, he had said.

On Sunday, Jain urged the Archaeological Survey of India to take control of the “temple”.

Gopal Sharma, a local lawyer for the Hindu side, had earlier claimed the temple that once stood at the site was demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.

(With PTI inputs)

Published - November 25, 2024 06:48 am IST