Mon Nov 25 15:23:50 UTC 2024: ## Sambhal Violence: Four Dead, 25 Arrested After Mosque Survey Turns Violent

**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India** – Four people died and at least 25 were arrested following violent clashes in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. The violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.

The incident began when a survey team arrived at the mosque. According to officials, the Jama Masjid’s president, Zafar Ali, gave conflicting accounts of the events, claiming he hadn’t received notification of the survey despite a court order issued at 2:30 PM. Ali’s statement prompted a press conference by the District Magistrate (DM), Rajendra Pensia, who refuted Ali’s claims, stating that the survey team had attempted to conduct the survey on the 19th but was prevented by a large crowd. Subsequently, Ali was detained for questioning.

The violence resulted in widespread damage, and the administration has registered four FIRs and is investigating using drone footage to identify perpetrators. The police have also arrested 25 individuals and filed an FIR against 2,500 unidentified people. Further, the internet has been suspended in the district as a precautionary measure. Schools and colleges remain closed.

Adding to the controversy, the mosque’s lawyer, Zafar Ahmad, accused the police of arson and forcibly draining the mosque’s ablution tank. He called those killed in the violence “martyrs” and demanded compensation for their families, alleging the entire incident was a pre-planned event orchestrated by the police administration.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has strongly condemned the violence. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to demand a thorough investigation. Several SP MPs, including those against whom FIRs have been filed, accompanied Yadav. Accusations have also been leveled against the son of a Sambhal MLA for inciting the riots. Reports indicate that some of those arrested were injured during police custody.

The Uttar Pradesh Police are conducting flag marches in affected areas and have deployed additional forces including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to maintain order. Similar precautionary measures are in place in neighboring districts. Several political figures have commented on the incident, with some blaming the ruling party and others pointing fingers at the opposition. The All India Shia Personal Law Board has also condemned the violence. Calls for a CBI investigation into the incident have also been made. The situation remains tense, with heightened security measures in place.

Read More