The death toll in the Sambhal violence, sparked by a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, has risen to four as of Monday morning. In response to the unrest, the district administration has implemented prohibitory orders, barring outsiders from entering the area until November 30. This decision aims to curb further violence and maintain peace in the region.
The violence stemmed from claims that the mosque was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple, allegedly destroyed by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. Local lawyer Gopal Sharma, representing the Hindu side, had argued that the mosque’s construction was a result of the historical destruction of the temple. This issue had been simmering for years but escalated after the court ordered a mosque survey.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the BJP for fueling the tensions, accusing the party of exacerbating the situation through its hasty and biased approach. “The BJP is directly responsible for the violence,” Gandhi wrote on X, extending condolences to the families of the victims. He criticized the state government for not listening to all parties involved and rushing into actions that led to further bloodshed. Gandhi also urged the Supreme Court to intervene and deliver justice.
“The state government’s actions in Sambhal were reckless and have created a dangerous divide between Hindu and Muslim communities,” Gandhi added. He emphasized that this approach harmed the state and the nation, calling for swift judicial intervention.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence in Sambhal, blaming both the state administration and the BJP for escalating the situation. He also criticized the BJP for using such violence as a political tool, further inflaming communal tensions in the region.
The violence on Sunday began when a mob protesting the survey clashed with security forces. The protesters pelted stones, set vehicles on fire, and engaged in violent acts. At least 24 police officers were injured in the chaos, including some who sustained gunshot wounds and pellet injuries. The PRO of the Superintendent of Police was shot in the leg, and pellets injured a Circle Officer.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad), Muniraj, confirmed that three people died on Sunday, with a fourth individual passing away later due to injuries. This brought the total death toll to four. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya stated that the prohibitory orders were issued under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), restricting the movement of outsiders and other unauthorized persons in the area.
DIG Muniraj added that while the situation in Sambhal was peaceful, it remained tense, with police forces deployed to maintain order. The authorities are monitoring the situation closely and may lift the internet ban imposed to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The violence, which has shocked the region, has led to heightened political tensions. Both opposition parties and civil rights groups are calling for a thorough investigation into the causes of the violence and accountability for those responsible. The incident has also sparked widespread concern over the role of political forces in inflaming communal tensions and exacerbating conflicts in the state.