Sambhal: Three protesters were shot dead even as several policemen were injured during protests in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on Sunday against the survey of a Mughal-era mosque, which the Hindu side claims to be the site of a Hindu temple. Police have detained around a dozen people in connection with the violence.
Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed the death of three people in the protests.
Singh said that after the survey was completed, stone pelting started by three groups from as many directions.
#WATCH | Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: On the stone pelting incident in Sambhal, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh says, " ... after the survey was completed, the stone pelting started by three groups from three directions... the police used tear gas and plastic… pic.twitter.com/N6febwSl8S
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2024
“The police used tear gas and plastic bullets to handle the situation. Another group started setting vehicles on fire... And they also began firing... The police PRO was shot in the foot during the firing. Dy Collector's got fractured. CO was injured and around 15 police jawans were injured. A total of 3 people are known to have died in the firing... The situation is under control... We are speaking to their representatives...," Singh said.
The deceased have been identified as Naeem, Bilal and Nauman.
SP Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said that the protesters “targeted the police and pelted them with stones”.
“Many policemen have been injured. I have also suffered a leg injury. Along with this, the vehicles of the policemen have been targeted. Other bikes and other vehicles were parked nearby but the miscreants did not damage them,” Vishnoi said. He said that “those who spoil the atmosphere will not be spared”.
“All of them will be identified and action will be taken under NSA. At present, about 12 people have been detained. Peace and order is restored at the spot,” the SP added.
Uttar Pradesh Police DGP Prashant Kumar has said that “appropriate legal action” will be taken against the “anti-social elements” for the violence.
“A survey is being conducted in Sambhal on the orders of the court. Some anti-social elements have pelted stones. Police and senior officers are present on the spot. The situation is under control, the police will identify the stone pelters and take appropriate legal action," DGP Kumar told ANI.
Sambhal has been on the boil since Tuesday November 19 when a local court ordered a survey of the Mughal-era mosque over a plea by the Hindu petitioners claiming that the mosque had been built on the remnants of a Hindu temple.
Mosque Survey Completed, Says Hindu Side's Lawyer
Vishnu Shankar Jain, the advocate representing the Hindu side, said that the court-ordered survey of the mosque has been completed and would be submitted to the court. The survey is scheduled to be submitted in the court on November 26 before the next hearing in the case.
"Te Advocate Commissioner will present its report in the court. Photos and videos have been taken in the mosque. The survey was done from 7.30 am to 10 am. I appeal to the people to maintain peace," Jain said.
On 22 November, about 3000 Muslim worshippers offered the Friday congregational prayers in the mosque in presence of a massive police force of many police stations, PAC and RRF.
The Hindu petitioner claims that Mughal emperor Babar built the mosque in 1529 after demolishing the Harihar temple which stood at the site.
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