Mon Nov 25 10:23:22 UTC 2024: ## Sambhal Mosque Survey Turns Violent: Four Dead, Prominent Figures Accused
**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:** Four people died in violent clashes that erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a survey of the Jama Masjid mosque. Police have filed an FIR against Samajwadi Party MP, Ziaur Rahman Barque, and the son of the Sambhal Sadar MLA, Suhail Iqbal Mahmood, accusing them of inciting the violence.
The violence began Sunday morning when a team of officials, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, arrived to conduct a survey of the mosque. The presence of the team sparked immediate outrage among members of the Muslim community, quickly swelling into a crowd of 2,000-3,000. The crowd engaged in stone-pelting, forcing police to retreat after initially using tear gas and lathi charges.
Muradabad Commissioner Anjaney Kumar stated that post-mortem reports revealed all four deceased died from gunshot wounds inflicted by country-made firearms. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the deaths. While the commissioner stated that none of the deaths resulted from police firing, families of the victims claim otherwise. Police have released footage of the rioters.
Seven FIRs have been filed, naming six individuals and over 2,500 unidentified suspects. 25 arrests have been made. Authorities have extended the internet ban in Sambhal tehsil for another day and closed schools. A ban on entry of outsiders into Sambhal district has been imposed until December 1st.
MP Ziaur Rahman Barque claims the incident was pre-planned and part of a larger targeting of Muslims nationwide. The police investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 