UP police use teargas to quell violence during Mughal era mosque survey
Sambhal: Tensions flared in Sambhal, UP, on Sunday during a court-ordered survey of the Jamia Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque, amid claims it was originally the site of an ancient Hindu temple.
According to Kashmir Media Service, police used tear gas and force to control a crowd that pelted stones and attempted to set motorcycles on fire.
The survey, led by an Advocate Commissioner, was initiated early in the morning as part of a so-called examination ordered by a Civil Court in response to a petition alleging a Harihar temple once stood at the mosque site.
Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi confirmed that the police acted to disperse the crowd and detained 10 people. “The situation is now peaceful, and the survey continues,” said District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia.
The mosque committee, district administration, and Central and Uttar Pradesh governments are parties to the case. Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq opposed the developments, citing the 1991 Places of Worship Act, which mandates the status quo of religious sites as of 1947.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 29, 2025. Meanwhile, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further escalation.
