Death toll in clash over Mughal era mosque survey rises to 4

Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh): Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Moradabad Range, Muniraj Ji on Monday said that the death toll in the Sambhal violence has reached four following the ruckus and stone pelting incident over the ASI survey of a Mughal-era mosque in the district.

DIG Muniraj ji also said that four FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident and action is being taken against those responsible.

Statement of DIG Muniraj ji

Speaking to ANI on Monday, the DIG said, “The current situation in Sambhal is peaceful. Police have been deployed at important places. Last night, we had confirmed three deaths, but today one more person succumbed to his injuries during treatment in Moradabad. “There have been a total of 4 deaths.”

“Considering the situation, we will lift the internet ban. Action is being taken against the accused. I appeal to the people of Sambhal to maintain peace. In all, four FIRs have been registered,” the official said.

Petition filed in National Human Rights Commission

Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the National Human Rights Commission on behalf of DK Foundation of Freedom and Justice regarding the violent protests in Sambhal, Moradabad.

DK Foundation of Freedom and Justice took suo motu cognizance under the provisions of its Memorandum of Articles and filed the petition on the basis of the viral video of the incident that took place in Sambhal.

In the petition, the organization claimed that the police administration is taking action only against the Muslim community. The petition also said that three people from the Muslim community died due to indiscriminate firing by the police administration, which is a condemnable incident and a subject of investigation.

In the wake of violence that broke out following the ASI survey at a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, the district administration on Monday announced that outsiders, social organizations or public representatives will be barred from entering Sambhal without prior permission from the authorities.

According to an official notification from Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia, “No outsider, social organization or public representative will be prohibited from entering Sambhal without orders from the authorities.

Security increased near Shahi Jama Masjid

After the initial incident of uproar and violence in Sambhal, security has been increased near Shahi Jama Masjid in the area to maintain order and prevent violence from escalating.

Visuals from the area near the mosque show security deployed with two-way radios, security batons, flashlights, firearms, vehicle barriers and metal detectors for communications to maintain security levels in accordance with local regulations.

Police officers patrol the area to prevent any criminal activity and maintain order, and ensure the safety of people and property by providing a visible security presence.

These measures came into effect when a survey team, which reached Shahi Jama Masjid to survey the mosque in Sambhal district amid heavy police deployment on Sunday morning, faced stone pelting by some “anti-social elements”.

Three people were killed and nearly two dozen others, including policemen and senior officials, were injured in a clash that broke out during a survey of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district on Sunday morning.

Statement of Divisional Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar Singh

“During the firing, police PRO was shot in the leg. Deputy Collector's leg was fractured. Circle Officer (CO) was injured. A total of three people are confirmed dead in the firing. The situation is under control, and we are ” Talking to their representatives,” divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh told reporters.

The deceased were identified as Naeem, resident of Court Karvi; Bilal, resident of Sarai Tarin, Sambhal; And Noman, resident of Hayatnagar Sarai Tareen said.

Police had to use tear gas and appeal to stone pelters to control the situation in the area. The said survey was part of a legal process following a petition filed by senior lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who claimed that the mosque was originally a temple. ,

About a similar survey

A similar survey was conducted earlier on 19 November, with local police and mosque management committee members present to monitor the process.

Following the violence, Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar reached the site of stone pelting on Sunday along with other officials to control the situation. In Sambhal, incidents of stone pelting targeting the survey team increased and vehicles were set on fire. Fire broke out in the area and there was considerable damage to property.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar said the survey of the mosque was successfully completed despite the chaos on Sunday, adding that strict action would be taken against the accused once they are identified.

Senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain on the survey

Senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain spoke to ANI about the survey and said that in compliance with the court order issued on November 19, the second day of survey was conducted by the Advocate Commissioner on Sunday.

He confirmed that all facilities were examined, and videography and photography were completed as directed by the Court. Jain said the survey is now over and the report will be submitted to the court by November 29.

Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar said that the survey is being conducted in Sambhal on the orders of the court.

Magisterial inquiry ordered

Officials said a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Moradabad division commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said, “After the survey was completed, three groups started pelting stones from three directions. Police used tear gas and plastic bullets to control the situation. Another group hit vehicles. Started setting fire and also started firing.”

“Following court orders, the survey of the mosque was being conducted peacefully in the presence of police force, when a mob gathered at the site and started pelting stones at the survey team and security personnel.

“The survey was conducted between 7 am and 11 am as per the court's directions. The process was initially peaceful with adequate police deployment. However, some people started pelting stones, and the police dispersed them Then, a large crowd of 2000-3000 people gathered and started pelting stones again,” Divisional Commissioner Singh earlier told ANI.

The survey was part of a legal process following a petition filed by senior lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who claimed that the mosque was originally a temple.

(Except for the title, this article has not been edited by NBTV's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)