Three people died and around two dozen people killed in the clash occurred in UP’s Sambhal. This injured people includes both policemen and senior officials. Vehicles were set on fire after stone pelting erupted in Sambhal on Sunday. The clash occurred when a survey team arrived at Shahi Jama Masjid to conduct the mosque’s survey. Police used tear gas to bring the situation under control.
According to officials four senior police officers, about 20 policemen and the deputy collector got injured.
“After the survey was completed, stone pelting started by three groups from three directions. The police used tear gas and plastic bullets to handle the situation. Another group started setting vehicles on fire and also began firing,” said Divisional Commissioner of Moradabad Aunjaneya Kumar Singh.
He further mentioned that the situation is under control. He further said that, “”The police PRO was shot in the foot during the firing. The deputy collector’s foot was fractured. The Circle Officer (CO) was injured. A total of three people are confirmed dead in the firing. The situation is under control, and we are speaking to with their representatives.”
Divisional Commissioner Singh said that, “The survey was conducted between 7 am and 11 am, as per court directions. The process was initially peaceful with adequate police deployment. However, some people started stone-pelting, and the police dispersed them. Then, a larger mob of 2000-3000 people gathered and started stone-pelting again.”
The incident occurred after a petition was filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain in the Civil Judge’s court at Sambhal claiming the mosque was an ancient ‘Hindu’ temple.
