Mon Nov 25 06:15:09 UTC 2024: ## Sambhal Mosque Survey Turns Violent: Four Dead, Dozens Injured

**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:** Violence erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday during a survey of the Jama Masjid, resulting in the deaths of four young men and injuries to at least 22 police officers, including the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Circle Officer (CO). The CO and the SP’s PRO sustained gunshot wounds to their legs.

The violence, which began around 6:30 AM when a team of officials, including the District Magistrate (DM) and SP, arrived to conduct the survey, quickly escalated when a large crowd, estimated at 2,000-3,000, gathered and attacked the officials. The crowd engaged in stone-pelting, forcing police to respond with tear gas and lathi charges.

Police have arrested 21 individuals in connection with the violence and filed seven FIRs, including one naming Sambhal SP MP Jiyaur Rehman Bark and MLA Nawab Iqbal Mahmood’s son, Suhail Iqbal, for allegedly inciting the riot. The deceased were buried late Sunday night.

Following the incident, internet services were suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours, and schools remained closed on Monday. The DM imposed a ban on the entry of outsiders into Sambhal district until December 1st. An undeclared curfew-like situation prevails in the city.

While police claim the deaths were a result of the attackers’ gunfire, families of the deceased allege they were killed by police firing. The Commissioner stated that no deaths resulted from police firing. The SP announced that gangster and Rasuka charges would be filed against those arrested.

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