Chicago – November 24, 2024
Violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Sunday during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque at the center of a legal dispute. The survey, linked to claims that the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple, led to clashes between locals and police, leaving four people dead and around 20 police officers injured.
Officials said the survey was initially conducted last Tuesday but had to be rescheduled for Sunday morning to avoid disruptions to prayers. Tensions escalated when protesters threw stones and set vehicles on fire. Police responded with tear gas and batons to control the mob.
Among the deceased, two people were confirmed to have died from gunshot wounds caused by countrymade pistols. The cause of the third death is under investigation and will be confirmed after a post-mortem examination.
The unrest also left a police constable critically injured. Twenty-one people, including two women, have been detained. Authorities are planning strict action, with those involved in the violence likely to face charges under the National Security Act (NSA).
In response to the violence, internet services have been suspended, and schools in the area have been closed as tensions remain high.
