Sambhal riots in UP: 4 dead, internet shutdown following clashes over mosque poll; Here’s what we know so far

At least four people were killed and several others, including more than 20 police officers, injured during violent clashes in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday (November 24). The violence broke out during a court-ordered inspection of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid, following a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, who claimed that the mosque was originally a temple.

Among the injured is a policeman who suffered a serious head injury and is currently under medical care. More than 20 police officers were injured in the riots.

Here’s what we know so far:

In response to the violence, internet access was suspended throughout the district for 24 hours to maintain order. Residents were warned against keeping stones, drink bottles and other items on their roofs that could be used as weapons. The authorities also ordered city officials to remove construction debris from public spaces, promising to take stringent action against violators of the directives.

As a precautionary measure, the district authorities announced a holiday for students up to class 12 on November 25. Meanwhile, the police detained around 20 people suspected of being involved in stone-pelting and other violent activities during the clashes.

District Magistrate Sambhal issued an order prohibiting outsiders, social organizations and public representatives from entering the district without prior permission. The notification said: “Prohibition orders under Section 163 of the Indian Citizen Safety Code, 2023 will remain in force till November 30.” He also warned that any violation of these orders would result in penalties in accordance with Art. 223 of the Indian Penal Code, 2023.

Tension escalated near the Shahi Jama Masjid on Sunday morning as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a court-ordered survey. A large crowd gathered, chanting slogans, pelting stones and trying to set vehicles on fire. To control the situation, the police used tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the protesters.

A senior officer said that miscreants fired shots during the riots, causing bullet injuries to some police personnel. “We are currently investigating the origin of the shooting, especially in the Deepa Sarai area,” the officer explained.

The Jama Masjid survey was carried out on the basis of a court order in response to allegations that the site once housed a Harihar temple. Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi noted, “Some in the crowd threw stones at the police. We used minimal force and tear gas to control the situation.” He further stated that those responsible would be charged under the National Security Act (NSA).

Petitioner Vishnu Shanker Jain explained that the Civil Judge (Senior Division) had ordered the Bar Commission to videotape and photograph the mosque. He mentioned that the respondents in the case are the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments, as well as the mosque committee and district judge Sambhal.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Yogendra Upadhyay condemned the attacks on the ASI team, stressing the importance of following the court orders as directed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “I strongly condemn this act. “Ignoring a court order is a serious offense and law and order will prevail regardless of social standing,” he said.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh condemned stone-pelting as an attack on Indian democracy and rule of law, accusing the group of being responsible for undermining democratic institutions. “Such actions that show a lack of faith in our democracy will not be tolerated,” Singh said.

The Congress party held the Yogi Adityanath government and the BJP-RSS responsible for the violence. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera suggested that the incidents were part of a “well-planned conspiracy” by the state government to disturb communal peace. Khera stated: “Videos showing direct firing on protesters underscore the grim consequences of this plot.”

Khera also pointed out what he sees as bias in the administration’s actions, saying it favors one side and escalates violence after the by-elections. He urged the people of Sambhal to reject hatred, maintain harmony and pursue justice through legal means. Echoing Rahul Gandhi’s call for love instead of hate, Khera urged citizens to “recognize divisive policies and peacefully protect their rights.”