Rahul Gandhi To Visit Violence Affected Sambhal, Congress Saharanpur Lok Sabha MP Says

In the Sambhal violence, three individuals, all about 25 years old, were killed, with one more death reported on Monday due to injuries.

Security personnel deployed to maintain law and order, a day after clashes between police and protesters opposing the survey of the Jama Masjid, in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.

Source : PTI

Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will violence affected Sambhal. Saharanpur Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood told ABP News, that the Congress leader will visit the north-west district most likely tomorrow or the day after. The district administration in Sambhal has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders until November 30, following clashes over a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid. Internet services in Sambhal tehsil have been suspended, and schools were closed on Monday. A magisterial probe has been ordered to investigate the violence, which claimed four lives and left several injured, including security and administrative personnel.  

Tensions had been rising since November 19, when the Jama Masjid was surveyed following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple previously stood on the site. Violence erupted on Sunday as protesters gathered near the mosque, clashing with security personnel, torching vehicles, and pelting stones.  

In the violence, three individuals, all about 25 years old, were killed, with one more death reported on Monday due to injuries. Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said initial investigations suggest gunshots from countrymade weapons caused the fatalities, though further details are awaited.  

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar reported that seven FIRs have been registered, naming six individuals, including Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, the son of local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood. Another 2,750 individuals were listed as unidentified in the FIRs. Kumar alleged Barq’s prior remarks, including a call to “protect Jama Masjid,” escalated tensions and mobilized the mob. Barq was named in the FIR despite being in Bengaluru at the time, based on his previous statements.  

As of Monday, the situation in Sambhal was tense but under control, with heavy police deployment, deserted streets near the Shahi Jama Masjid, and resumed traffic and shop operations in some areas.  

Political blame games ensued, with opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, accusing the ruling BJP of orchestrating the violence. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged the BJP was creating communal rifts. The BJP countered by calling the violence "pre-planned," blaming opponents unsettled by its political gains, particularly after the Uttar Pradesh bypolls.