Sambhal Violence: First CCTV Footage Showing Rioters Pelting Stones During Clash Surfaces — WATCH

At least four people died because of the violence in Sambhal, while around two dozen others, including security personnel and administration officials, sustained injuries.

As Sambhal is beginning to return to normalcy after the violent clashes during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama mosque on Sunday (November 24), the exclusive CCTV footage of the where rioters can be seen pelting stones has surfaced.

In the footage, several youths can be seen pelting stones during the violent clash. Some of them had covered their faces to avoid being identified.

On Sunday, scores of people had gathered near the Mughal-era mosque, shouting slogans as the survey team resumed its work after the first survey on November 19. Thereafter, clashes erupted as the crowd clashed with security personnel, set vehicles on fire, and pelted stones. At least four people died because of the violence, while around two dozen others, including security personnel and administration officials, sustained injuries.

Two days after the Sambhal violence, the schools have been re-opened and the shops selling daily essentials have also resumed operations. However, internet services remain suspended. The police and administration officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with deployment at prime spots. Rapid Action Force teams have been stationed at sensitive areas as well.

A magisterial probe into the violence is underway. The entry of public representatives and outsiders into Sambhal has been prohibited until November 30, news agency PTI reported.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation in Sambhal was under control and that strict action will be taken against those responsible for inciting the unrest.

So far, police have arrested 25 people and registered seven FIRs. Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, and the son of the party's local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, Sohail Iqbal, along with 2,750 unidentified individuals have been named as accused.

The police are analysing drone footage, CCTV camera recordings, and mobile videos to identify the suspects and nab them, the SP added.

Political Row Over Sambhal Violence

A political row erupted after the Sunday clashes in Sambhal with the Opposition parties including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing the UP government of orchestrating the riots. 

Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi alleged that the BJP was trying to create a rift between the Hindus and Muslims. Following this, the saffron party hit back, claiming that the violence was pre-planned and that it was instigated by those who were displeased about the BJP's rise in the country, particularly after the party's victory in the UP Assembly bypolls.

Excise Minister Nitin Agrawal said that the state government will take action against those who caused the riots and that the situation in the area was now under control.

"Action will be taken against anyone who causes riots. It is well known that there is a battle for supremacy between two parties in Sambhal, which is still going on. In this, one party is of the MP and the other of the MLA and both are SP leaders, the way the MP and MLA supporters continued their battle for supremacy, they spoiled the atmosphere and caused riots.

"There is a battle for supremacy between two groups in Sambhal. One is big and the other is small and this is the result of what has been seen in Sambhal. At present, the situation in Sambhal is under control and the administration has acted strictly. FIRs have been filed against those who are guilty of this violence and they have been sent to jail," he added.