Sambhal: Day After Shiva Temple Found, UP Admin Claims Rs 1.25 Crore Power Theft In Mosques, Madrasa

Sambhal News: Uttar Pradesh authorities uncovered illegal power connections in four mosques and a madrasa, amounting to theft worth Rs 1.25 crore.

A day after raids in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, the district administration reported uncovering power theft worth Rs 1.25 crore from four mosques and a madrasa. This discovery comes amid a campaign targeting encroachments and illegal activities in the area surrounding the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, weeks after clashes over a court-ordered survey claimed four lives.  

The campaign, initiated on Sunday morning, included removing encroachments and addressing illegal power connections. According to news agency PTI, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra stated that the focus was on clearing drains outside houses and shops in the Nakhasa police station area, close to the residence of Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia ur Rehman Barq. "The operation, aimed at restoring public spaces and ensuring a smooth flow of the drainage system, started at 7 am," Chandra noted.  

During the drive, authorities discovered an illegal stockpile of domestic gas cylinders in a house. Supply Inspector Yogesh Shukla reported finding 25 cylinders, two filled and 23 empty, at the residence of Haji Rabban. Although the family claimed the cylinders were for a wedding, they failed to provide documentation. "The cylinders were confiscated, and an FIR will be registered," Shukla confirmed.

 Sambhal: FIR Against 49 Over Illegal Power Theft In 4 Mosques, 1 Madarsa

Simultaneously, the electricity department conducted a significant operation against power theft. Executive Engineer Naveen Gautam stated that raids in Deepa Sarai revealed unauthorised electricity connections in four mosques and a madrasa, amounting to 130 kilowatts of stolen power. "The stolen electricity was valued at Rs 1.25 crore. FIRs are being filed against 49 individuals identified in the operation," Gautam said, as per PTI.  

In a related development, the Bhasma Shankar temple, reopened by the district administration on Saturday, has resumed regular worship. Mahant Acharya Vinod Shukla highlighted the renewed activity, with devotees offering prayers and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.

Local resident Mohit Rastogi expressed gratitude for the temple's reopening, stating, "I had heard about this temple from my grandfather. I thank the district administration for allowing us to reconnect with our heritage".  

The temple had remained locked since 1978, according to locals, after the communal riots that displaced the local Hindu community. During a campaign against electricity theft in the area, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra and the district authorities stumbled upon the temple while inspecting the region. Upon noticing it, Mishra said he promptly informed the authorities. Together, they decided to reopen the temple, which had been closed for decades. The local residents confirmed that the temple had been locked since 1978, PTI reported.

Sambhal Violence: 93 Accused Still At Large, Police Say

The Sambhal police also announced that while nearly 40 accused, including three women, were held for their involvement in the violent protests that erupted on November 24, 93 individuals directly implicated in the unrest remain at large.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi emphasised that none of those involved in the violence will be spared and that legal action will be taken against all of them.

“None of those involved in the violence will be spared. We will take legal action against all of them. We will soon announce rewards for information on the absconders who have fled their homes after the incident. During our raids on the houses of those identified, we only found female members present, while the males were missing,” he was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

Sambhal was plunged into chaos following violent protests that erupted after a team of surveyors arrived at the Shahi Jama Masjid to conduct a survey. In the violence, five individuals lost their lives, and several others, including police personnel, sustained injuries.

Amid the ongoing investigation, the police in Sambhal have released photographs of approximately 400 suspects involved in the violence that day. These individuals are being identified based on their residential locations, Indian Express reported police as informing.

A total of twelve First Information Reports (FIRs) concerning the violence have been filed at various police stations within Sambhal town. Notably, seven FIRs were registered by police officers, while four were filed by the families of the deceased individuals who lost their lives on November 24. Additionally, one more FIR was lodged by a man named Naseem, who alleged that his nephew, Waseem, succumbed to his injuries on November 25 after being struck by bullets allegedly fired by descendants of Turkic Mongols who were allegedly part of the agitation against the survey.

Furthermore, the police are verifying claims made in anonymous letters to them regarding the involvement of students from madrasas in nearby districts on the day of the violent protests.

As per Indian Express, SP Bishnoi clarified, “We have received many letters claiming that students from madrasas were specially called in to Sambhal that day. We are verifying the authenticity of these letters, and after proper checks, we will go ahead with strict action against those involved.”