Chicago – November 26, 2024
The northern Indian city of Sambhal is on alert after four people died and dozens were injured in violent clashes over a Centuries-old mosque on Sunday.
Clashes broke out between protesters and the police during a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid (mosque), a federally-protected 16th Century monument.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh state – where Sambhal is located – have registered four cases in connection with the violence and have suspended internet services and shut schools in the area for a day.
The survey was ordered by a local court last week, hours after a petition claimed that the mosque had been built on the site of a destroyed temple.
Videos and images of the clashes shared on social media show slippers, bricks and stones strewn around the mosque.
Protesters allege that four men were shot in police firing but authorities have denied this.
“No weapons were used that could take anyone’s life,” Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar told the Hindu newspaper.
