Court-ordered mosque survey sparks violence

It was sheer chaos in Sambhal on Sunday morning as a court-mandated survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid triggered violent clashes between locals and police, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.

- Biswajeet Banerjee

The mosque, at the heart of a heated legal dispute over claims it was built on the site of a Hindu temple, has become a communal flashpoint.

According to police, the violence erupted when a crowd of nearly a thousand gathered outside the mosque to prevent a survey team, led by an "Advocate Commissioner," from entering. As tensions escalated, some individuals in the crowd reportedly began pelting stones at the police, leading to retaliation with tear gas. Amid the chaos, over ten vehicles were set ablaze.

"Some miscreants in the crowd resorted to violence. The police used minor force and tear gas to bring the situation under control. Those involved will be identified and strict action will be taken," said Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi.