3 killed in clash over UP mosque survey

Three persons were killed and around 20 policemen injured when protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a mosque clashed with the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district.

Tension escalated in Sambhal during the second survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid after a mob started throwing stones at a police team.

The police used tear gas and “minor force” to disperse the mob. Sambhal has been tense for the past few days after the mosque was surveyed last Tuesday on the orders of a local court following filing of a petition claiming that an ancient temple stood at the site earlier. “Three persons, identified as Naeem, Bilal and Niman, died during the clash while around 20 policemen as well as an SDM sustained injuries. Fifteen persons have been detained,” an official said.

According to the local administration, an “advocate commissioner” started the second survey of the disputed site around 7 am and a mob began gathering there.

“Some miscreants, who were part of the mob, started throwing stones at the police team. The police used minor force and tear gas to bring the situation under control,” said Krishna Kumar Vishnoi, Superintendent of Police. There were reports that vehicles were also torched by the mob. The police officer said those who clashed and those who incited the mob would be identified and action taken against them.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP and the state administration of “orchestrating” violence to divert attention from “electoral malpractices”. “A survey team was deliberately sent in the morning. The intention was to create chaos so that no debate on the election issues could happen,” alleged Akhilesh, while questioning the necessity of conducting a second survey when one had already been completed.

“What happened in Sambhal was orchestrated by the BJP, the government and the administration to divert attention from electoral malpractices,” he added.

Exercise ordered by local court

Sambhal has been tense for the past few days after the Mughal-era Jama Masjid was surveyed last Tuesday on the orders of a local court following filing of a petition claiming that a temple stood at the site earlier.