Sun Nov 24 07:53:16 UTC 2024: ## Massive Turnout at Sambhal Jama Masjid Amid Heightened Security Following Court-Ordered Survey
**SAMBHAL, INDIA** – A significantly larger-than-expected crowd attended Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid in Sambhal today, three days after a court-ordered survey of the 16th-century mosque sparked concerns. The survey followed claims that the mosque was built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple.
Authorities deployed heavy police and paramilitary forces, including drone surveillance, to maintain order amidst the unexpectedly large congregation. The mosque’s management, caught off guard by the turnout, used loudspeakers to urge worshippers to pray at nearby mosques due to overcrowding. Local lawyer Jafar Ali estimated the crowd to be three times larger than usual Friday attendance.
Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi stated that extensive security measures were implemented following discussions with mosque officials. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya explained that the survey was conducted to expedite the process, with the next court hearing scheduled for November 29th. The situation remained peaceful under the heavy security presence. The unrelated information about dumbbells and Sharvari Wagh has been omitted as it is not pertinent to the news story.
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