Sambhal violence toll rises to 4; SP MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, MLA’s son booked, prohibitory orders issued till Nov 30

Sambhal (UP): Four people have died, and dozens, including police personnel and administrative officials, were injured in violent clashes on Sunday over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. Tensions, brewing since November 19 following a petition claiming a Harihar temple once stood at the site, escalated when protesters opposed the survey, resulting in torched vehicles, stone pelting, and police retaliation with tear gas and batons.

The violence intensified as miscreants reportedly fired shots, injuring several security personnel, including a PRO who suffered a gunshot wound, and a circle officer hit by pellets. A constable sustained a serious head injury, and a deputy collector fractured his leg. The toll rose to four after an injured victim succumbed during treatment on Monday, officials confirmed.

The deceased — Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman — all aged about 25, were buried on Sunday. The fourth victim's identity remains undisclosed. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya stated that two deaths were caused by bullet wounds, while the cause of the third will be confirmed post-mortem.

Seven FIRs have been registered, naming Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Sohail Iqbal among the accused. Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar reported that six individuals, including Barq and Iqbal, were named in the FIRs, with 2,750 unidentified others. Twenty-five arrests have been made, and authorities are scrutinizing video evidence to identify more culprits.

Prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been imposed, barring outsiders and organizations from entering the district without permission until November 30. Internet services remain suspended in Sambhal tehsil, and schools were closed on Monday. Violators face prosecution under Section 223 of the BNS.

The survey, ordered by a Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division), was intended to videograph and photograph the mosque following claims that the Mughal emperor Babur demolished a Harihar temple in 1529 to build the mosque. Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, a petitioner in the case, urged the Archaeological Survey of India to take control of the site.

Despite the tension, authorities assert that peace has returned, with markets reopening on their weekly closure day. District officials continue efforts to maintain order while proceeding with investigations into the unrest.