Sun Nov 24 14:22:29 UTC 2024: **Three Killed in Sambhal Mosque Survey Violence**
SAMBHAL, INDIA – Three young men were killed and several police officers injured during violent clashes that erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a survey of the Jama Masjid mosque on Sunday. The violence led to an undeclared curfew and the suspension of internet services in the Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours.
The incident began around 6:30 AM when a team of officials, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, arrived to conduct a survey of the mosque. This prompted a large gathering of around 2,000 to 3,000 people, who reportedly reacted angrily to the survey. The ensuing clashes involved heavy stone-pelting, forcing police to respond with tear gas and lathi charges. At least 15 police officers, including the Circle Officer and the SP’s PRO, were injured, with some sustaining gunshot wounds.
The deceased were identified by their families as victims of police firing. However, Sambhal Commissioner Anjaney Singh denied claims of police firing, stating the young men died as a result of firing by the attackers. Three four-wheeled vehicles and five motorcycles were set ablaze during the unrest.
Following the violence, senior police officials, including ADG Amit Sharma and IG Muniraj, arrived on the scene. Further stone-pelting incidents were also reported in the area of Samajwadi Party MP Bark. The situation remains tense, with barricades erected on all three access roads leading to the Jama Masjid. The removal of four truckloads of stones from the streets highlights the scale of the violence. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
First Piper 