Sun Nov 24 20:14:48 UTC 2024: ## Sambhal Mosque Survey Turns Violent: Three Dead, 25 Police Injured

**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India** – A court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, descended into violence on Sunday, November 24th, resulting in three deaths and injuries to 25 police officers. The incident began when a team arrived to conduct the survey, prompting a large-scale stone-throwing incident.

Commissioner of Moradabad, Anjaney Kumar Singh, and Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi have termed the violence a pre-planned attempt to disrupt peace. The mob also set several vehicles ablaze. Two injured individuals have been admitted to Moradabad District Hospital.

Commissioner Singh clarified that police did not fire any shots, refuting circulating rumors. He assured that those responsible for the violence, regardless of their status, would be prosecuted. He alleged that the violence was a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace, using youth as pawns to later claim their futures were being ruined. He described the stone-throwing as provocative and orchestrated.

SP Bishnoi stated that 21 individuals, including 19 men and 2 women, have been arrested. He added that those involved would face stringent action under the National Security Act (NSA). Illegal weapons were recovered from several suspects post-violence. Bishnoi maintained that the incident wasn’t an intelligence failure, highlighting that the previous Friday prayers had been peaceful. He also noted that several senior officers, including a CO, an SDM, and the SSP’s PRO, were among the injured police personnel. The three deceased, identified as Bilal, Naeem, and Kaif, reportedly died in crossfire amongst the rioters. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The violence stemmed from a petition filed by Mahant Rishiraj Giri Maharaj of the Kailas Devi Temple. He claims the Jama Masjid is the site of a historical Harihar Temple and had sought a survey, ordered by the civil court within seven days. The survey team’s arrival sparked the immediate violent reaction.

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