Police find bullet shells of ‘different bores’; administration restricts entry of ‘outsiders’
Sambhal violence: A group of individuals attacked the police and the survey team with stones and set vehicles ablaze. In response, law enforcement employed baton charges and tear gas to restore order. On Sunday, violence in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to numerous others, including 24 police and administrative personnel. The unrest erupted during a court-mandated survey of a Mughal-era mosque.
The local administration in Sambhal has closed all schools for November 25 and suspended internet services to curb the spread of misinformation. Additionally, the administration has barred any outsiders, social organizations, or public representatives from entering the city without prior authorization.
Key updates regarding the violence at the Sambhal mosque include:
- Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh reported that gunfire was exchanged during the disturbances, resulting in injuries to an official. Approximately 20 security personnel were hurt. “Shots were fired by the assailants… the PRO of the superintendent of police sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the police circle officer was injured by pellets, and 15 to 20 security personnel were affected during the incident,” he stated, as reported by news agency PTI.
- Singh further noted that a police constable suffered a severe head injury, and the deputy collector sustained a leg fracture. The Sambhal administration has implemented a 24-hour internet suspension in the tehsil area and closed all schools on November 25.
- The divisional commissioner explained that the violence erupted as the survey team was departing after completing their task. “There were groups positioned on three sides: one in front, one to the right, and one to the left, continuously throwing stones. The police were compelled to use force to ensure the safe exit of the survey team. Tear gas shells were deployed, and plastic bullets were utilized,” Singh elaborated.
- Visuals disseminated on social media depicted a crowd hurling stones at law enforcement from rooftops and in front of the Shahi Jama Masjid. A video allegedly captured Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar imploring the stone-throwers to refrain from violent actions. He stated, “Do not jeopardize your future for these politicians.”
- Krishan Kumar denied allegations that the police discharged firearms at the crowd. He clarified that non-lethal pellet guns were employed. “The police utilized pellet guns. No lethal weapons were deployed that could endanger lives,” he asserted.
- Authorities reported the detention of 21 individuals, along with the recovery of various types of weapons. Additionally, multiple bullet casings of different calibers were discovered. “A total of 21 individuals have been apprehended. Various weapons have been seized from them, and numerous shells of different calibers were found at the location of the shooting,” the officer stated.
- The police indicated that weapons were retrieved from the residences of those who had been detained. Furthermore, two women were apprehended from whose home the gunfire originated. Officers informed PTI that individuals involved in the violence would face charges under the National Security Act (NSA).
- The identities of the deceased have been confirmed. “The death toll is three. The cause of death for two individuals is evident—gunshot wounds from homemade pistols. The cause of death for the third individual remains undetermined, pending a post-mortem examination,” District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya informed PTI.
- A local court mandated a survey of the Jama Masjid premises following a petition asserting that the mosque was constructed atop the remnants of the Harihar temple. The survey, initially scheduled for last Tuesday, could not be completed and has been rescheduled for Sunday morning to prevent disruption of prayers.
- Gopal Sharma, a local attorney representing the Hindu perspective, asserted that the temple that previously occupied the site was destroyed by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.
