BJP is using power to create Hindu-Muslim divide, says Rahul Gandhi

“The use of power by the BJP to create disunity and discrimination between Hindu-Muslim communities is neither in the interest of the state nor the country. I request the Supreme Court to intervene in this matter at the earliest and deliver justice,” Gandhi said.

The former Congress leader also appealed for peace and mutual harmony.

“We all must unite to move India forward on the path of unity and constitution, not communalism and hatred,” Gandhi said.

After Sunday’s clashes, district authorities have already issued bans and banned the entry of outsiders until November 30.

Soon, internet access was suspended for 24 hours in Sambhal Tehsil and the district authorities declared a holiday in all schools on Monday.

Violence broke out in the district as protesters opposing the inspection of the Jama Masjid clashed with security personnel. Protesters set fire to vehicles and threw stones at police, while security workers used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.

Tension had been mounting in Sambhal since November 19, when the Jama Masjid was first surveyed on court orders following a petition alleging that a Harihar temple stood on the site.

Trouble started early on Sunday when a large group of people gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the research team began work.

District officials said the survey could not be completed on Tuesday and was scheduled for Sunday to avoid disrupting afternoon prayers.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad) Muniraj told reporters on Monday that Naeem, Bilal and Nauman – the three men who died in Sunday’s violence – had been buried. All three were around 25 years old.

He later confirmed the death of a fourth person.

Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, “The shots were fired by miscreants… PRO Superintendent of Police was shot in the leg, a district officer was hit by pellets and 15-20 security personnel were injured in the violence.”

He added that the policeman also suffered a serious head injury and the deputy collector suffered a broken leg.

The Congress on Sunday said that the Adityanath administration was entirely responsible for killing innocent people and only the BJP-RSS was guilty of “setting fire” to peace and harmony in Sambhal.

The opposition party said the videos showing direct firing on protesters show the horrific fallout of a “well-planned conspiracy” by Adityanath and the BJP-RSS.