Sambhal Mosque Violence: Bullet Shells Found, Entry of ‘Outsiders’ Restricted

Sambhal Mosque Violence: Three people died and many others including 24 police and administrative staff were injured in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The clashes occurred during a court ordered survey of a Mughal era mosque.

A mob pelted stones at the police and the survey team and set vehicles on fire. Police used baton charge and tear gas to control the situation. Sambhal administration has closed all schools for November 25 and suspended internet to prevent spread of rumours.

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh told media that the miscreants fired bullets. An official was hit by a bullet. 20 security personnel were injured. "Shots were fired by the miscreants... the PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the police circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence.,"

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Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said a police constable had serious head injury and deputy collector had fractured leg. Sambhal administration has suspended internet in tehsil area for 24 hours and closed all schools on November 25.

The divisional commissioner said the violence started when the survey team was leaving after completing the exercise. "There were groups on three sides. One from the front, one from the right and one from the left. They were continuously pelting stones. Police used force so the survey team could be safely escorted out. Tear gas shells were also fired. Plastic bullets were used," Singh added.

Visuals on social media showed the mob throwing stones at police from rooftops and in front of Shahi Jama Masjid. A video clip showed Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar asking the stone pelters not to indulge in violence. "Don't spoil your future for these politicians", he said.

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The police said 21 people were detained, and several kinds of weapons were found. They also found bullet shells of different bores. "As many as 21 people have been detained. Several kinds of weapons have been recovered from them. Many shells of different bores have been recovered at the spot where the firing took place," the officer added.

Police said they recovered weapons from the houses of the detained people. They have also detained two women from whose house firing took place. Those who indulged in violence would be booked under National Security Act (NSA), officers told PTI.

Hindu side lawyer Gopal Sharma. (Mughal era) 1529.

Also Read: Sambhal Mosque Violence: Bullet Shells Found, Entry of ‘Outsiders’ Restricted