A routine court-ordered survey at Sambhal’s Jama Masjid turned deadly on Sunday, leaving three people dead and 20 others injured. The violence erupted during the survey following a controversial claim that the site of the mosque was originally a Harihar temple. The situation quickly escalated, leading to significant unrest, injuries to law enforcement officials, and widespread political reactions.
Background of the Dispute
The roots of the conflict trace back to a petition filed in a local court, asserting that the Jama Masjid stands on the site of an ancient Harihar temple. The court directed an “Advocate Commissioner” to survey the site to verify these claims, a process that has provoked communal tension in the area.
Despite efforts to conduct the survey early in the morning to avoid disrupting prayers, the situation turned volatile when protesters gathered outside the mosque. They voiced their opposition, accusing authorities of targeting specific communities under the guise of legal orders.
The Incident
During the survey, a crowd began to swell, raising slogans against the exercise. According to eyewitnesses, the situation deteriorated rapidly when a section of the protesters resorted to stone-pelting. In response, the police deployed tear gas and resorted to a lathi charge.
Protesters allegedly set vehicles ablaze and targeted police personnel, resulting in injuries to several officials, including the Sub-District Magistrate (SDM) Ramesh Chandra and Police Circle Officer Anuj Kumar. Both sustained significant injuries, with Kumar hit by shrapnel and Chandra’s leg bone fractured.
The violence resulted in the deaths of three young men aged between 20 and 25 years, identified as Naeem, Bilal, and Noman, residents of Sambhal.
Aftermath and Actions Taken
In the wake of the clashes, the district administration shut down internet services in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours to curb the spread of misinformation. All schools and colleges up to Class 12 were ordered to remain closed on Monday.
Fifteen individuals, including two women, were detained, and investigations into their roles in the violence are underway. The police are also probing call records and other evidence to identify additional suspects. Stringent action, including charges under the National Security Act (NSA), has been promised against those responsible for inciting and participating in the unrest.
The Way Forward
While authorities assert that the situation is under control, the incident has left a deep scar on the community. Divisional Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed that the survey report would be submitted to the court by November 29. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to foster peace and prevent further unrest.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for sensitivity in handling communal disputes. Dialogue and cooperation between communities and unbiased governance are critical to ensuring that such incidents do not recur. For the families of the deceased and injured, justice and accountability remain paramount as the community grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing episode.
