2024 Sambhal violence
{{short description|Religious tensions over a mosque survey in Uttar Pradesh, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
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| {{maplink|type=point|coord={{Coord|28.5833|78.5667}}|title=Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal|marker=building|zoom=14|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-width=250|frame-align=center|frame-coordinates={{Coord|28.5833|78.5667}}}}
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|{{Location map |India Uttar Pradesh
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|coordinates = {{Coord|28.5833|78.5667}}
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|Show map of Uttar Pradesh
|{{Location map |India
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|width = 250
|label = Sambhal
|coordinates = {{Coord|28.5833|78.5667}}
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| location = Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India
| date = {{start date|2024|11|24}}
| image = Shahi Jama Masjid Sambhal21.jpg
| fatalities = 5{{cite news |title=उत्तर प्रदेश: मस्जिद सर्वे के खिलाफ प्रदर्शन में अब तक 5 लोगों की मौत, 30 नवंबर तक बाहरी लोगों के एंट्री पर रोक |trans-title=Uttar Pradesh: 5 people dead so far in protest against mosque survey, entry of outsiders banned till November 30 |url=https://hindi.sabrangindia.in/article/Uttar-Pradesh-5-people-dead-so-far-in-protest-against-mosque-survey-entry-of-outsiders-banned-till-November-30 |access-date=25 November 2024 |work=Sabrang India (sabrangindia.in) |publisher=Communalism Combat |date=25 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129221536/https://hindi.sabrangindia.in/article/Uttar-Pradesh-5-people-dead-so-far-in-protest-against-mosque-survey-entry-of-outsiders-banned-till-November-30 |archive-date=29 November 2024 |language=hi |url-status=live}}
| injuries = 30
| participants =
| motive = Dispute over mosque due to a court-ordered survey.
}}
On 24 November 2024, violence erupted during a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a 500-year old mosque in Sambhal, protected by ASI, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The survey was initiated following claims that the mosque was constructed on the ruins of a Hindu temple allegedly demolished during the Mughal period.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=Sambhal: India city tense after violence over mosque survey |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3de7k5gk78o.amp |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=BBC News |language=en-gb}}{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2024-12-01 |title=Sambhal mosque: ASI files response in court; seeks control, management of Mughal-era structure |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/sambhal-mosque-asi-files-response-in-court-seeks-control-management-of-mughal-era-structure/article68934043.ece |access-date=2024-12-03 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203013931/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/sambhal-mosque-asi-files-response-in-court-seeks-control-management-of-mughal-era-structure/article68934043.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-02 |title='Original Form Lost': ASI Says Sambhal Jama Masjid's Historical Integrity Altered |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/original-form-lost-asi-says-sambhal-jama-masjids-historical-integrity-altered-article-115894397 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Times Now |language=en}} While the first survey had proceeded peacefully, tension escalated during the second survey when the wuzu khana (ablution tank) used before prayer in the mosque, had been drained, allegedly to check the depth, leading to rumours of the mosque being dug up. The President of the Masjid committee tried to convince people that the mosque was not being broken. While some were reassured and left, others remained enraged.{{Cite news |last=Tewari |first=Samridhi |date=2024-11-29 |title=Sambhal: Another city split into green and saffron |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/sambhal-another-city-split-into-green-and-saffron/article68927558.ece |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202171302/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/sambhal-another-city-split-into-green-and-saffron/article68927558.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=30 November 2024 |title=Sambhal Police Violence Against Muslim Protesters: Death Toll Rises to 5 |url=https://www.hindutvawatch.org/sambhal-police-violence-against-muslim-protesters-death-toll-rises-to-5-bjp-govt-is-responsible-says-opposition-maktoob-media/# |work=Hindutva Watch}}
The incident resulted in the deaths of five Muslims.{{cite news
| title = India's top court weighs in on mosque–temple controversy
| url = https://www.voanews.com/a/india-s-top-court-weighs-in-on-mosque-temple-controversy/7882935.html
| date = 2024-12-01
| work = Voice of America
| archiveurl = https://archive.today/20241209131851/https://www.voanews.com/amp/india-s-top-court-weighs-in-on-mosque-temple-controversy/7882935.html
| archivedate = 2024-12-09
|access-date=2024-12-09}}{{cite news |title=Sambhal Toll Rises To 5; FIR Against SP MP, MLA's Son; Cops Detain 25 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sambhal-toll-rises-to-5-fir-against-sp-mp-mlas-son-cops-detain-25/articleshow/115672045.cms |work=Times of India |access-date=2024-12-09}} Scores of others, including around 20 security personnel, were injured.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-24 |title='Well-planned conspiracy by UP CM Adityanath, BJP-RSS': Congress on Sambhal violence |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/conspiracy-up-cm-adityanath-bjp-rss-congress-sambhal-violence-9688344/lite/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=उत्तर प्रदेश के संभल हिंसा: चार की मौत, जानिए अब तक क्या क्या हुआ है? |url=https://www.bbc.com/hindi/articles/cd7n98px597o |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=BBC News हिंदी |language=hi}}
Events
The Shahi Jama Masjid, located in Sambhal, has been at the center of dispute following claims that it was constructed on the ruins of a Shri Hari temple allegedly demolished by the Mughal ruler Babur in the early 16th century.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-24 |title=UP Sambhal violence: what is the row around the Shahi Jama Masjid |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/sambhal-plea-shahi-jama-masjid-chandausi-9687602/lite/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} In response to a petition filed by a group of Hindu plaintiffs, led by lawyer Hari Shankar Jain and Hindu seer Mahant Rishiraj Giri, as part of a civil suit claiming right for access into the mosque.{{Cite web |title=Uttar Pradesh: Court-Appointed Commissioner Surveys Mughal-Era Mosque Amid Claims of Ancient Hindu Temple |url=https://m.thewire.in/article/religion/uttar-pradesh-court-appointed-commissioner-surveys-mughal-era-mosque-amid-claims-of-ancient-hindu-temple/amp |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=thewire.in}}{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Amita |date=2024-02-09 |title=God's Advocates |url=https://openthemagazine.com/feature/gods-advocates/#google_vignette |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Open The Magazine |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617165108/https://openthemagazine.com/feature/gods-advocates/#google_vignette |url-status=live }} the Sambhal civil court ordered a survey of the mosque premises. The survey was conducted under the supervision of an advocate commissioner, district magistrate, and police. The survey aimed to investigate claims that the mosque was built over a demolished Hindu temple.
The ASI submitted a response in the court, and raised concerns that unauthorized changes to the mosque's structure by the management committee are unlawful and should be restricted.{{Cite web |title=ASI Seeks Control, Management of Sambhal Mosque, Tells Court It Faced Resistance While Conducting Survey |url=https://m.thewire.in/article/government/asi-seeks-control-management-of-sambhal-mosque-tells-court-it-faced-resistance-while-conducting-survey |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=thewire.in |language=en |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203073109/https://m.thewire.in/article/government/asi-seeks-control-management-of-sambhal-mosque-tells-court-it-faced-resistance-while-conducting-survey |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Sambhal Violence: ASI Files Response In Court; Seeks Management Of Mughal-Era Structure |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sambhal-violence-asi-files-response-in-court-seeks-management-of-mughal-era-structure-7146154 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202040325/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sambhal-violence-asi-files-response-in-court-seeks-management-of-mughal-era-structure-7146154 |url-status=live }}
The mosque is a protected monument, designated as such under the Ancient Monuments Protection Act, 1904, where worship is not allowed to preserve its historical integrity. The Hindu side's lawyer claimed that confusion over the routine draining of an ablution tank during the survey sparked tensions, leading to the belief among those gathered outside that excavation was taking place.{{Cite web |title=Survey of Sambhal mosque not done in haste but on orders of advocate commissioner, says lawyer of Hindu side |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/survey-of-sambhal-mosque-not-done-in-haste-but-on-orders-of-advocate-commissioner-says-lawyer-of-hindu-side-3294371? |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}
The opposition MPs have made allegations that some people accompanying the court-appointed survey commission at the mosque chanted “Jai Shri Ram” to provoke Muslims,{{Cite news |title=Sambhal violence: Lens on 'provocative' chant, cop role |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sambhal-violence-lens-on-provocative-chant-cop-role/cid/2066006 |work=The telegraph india |access-date=28 November 2024 |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201131102/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sambhal-violence-lens-on-provocative-chant-cop-role/cid/2066006 |url-status=live }} in the presence of senior police and district officials, with a video of the incident posted by Akhilesh Yadav. Opposition MPs in Uttar Pradesh claimed police highhandedness contributed to the mob violence, which claimed five lives,{{Cite web |title=Sambhal violence: Lens on 'provocative' chant, cop role Some people who were with the commission were chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'. As the local people opposed this, the police opened fire and killed four people |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sambhal-violence-lens-on-provocative-chant-cop-role/cid/2066006 |work=The Telegraph India |access-date=28 November 2024 |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201131102/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sambhal-violence-lens-on-provocative-chant-cop-role/cid/2066006 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |author=Ziya Us Salam |date=2024-11-25 |title=Muslim bodies flay Sambhal mosque survey, demand judicial probe into violence |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/muslim-bodies-flay-sambhal-mosque-survey-demand-judicial-probe-into-violence/article68910446.ece/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=30 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130071041/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/muslim-bodies-flay-sambhal-mosque-survey-demand-judicial-probe-into-violence/article68910446.ece/amp/ |url-status=live }} and called for the Supreme Court to investigate the administration’s role.{{Cite web |agency=PTI |date=2024-11-24 |title=Sambhal Jama Masjid row: Three killed during protest, 10 detained |url=https://www.siasat.com/shahi-jama-masjid-row-three-killed-during-protest-10-detained-3136862/ |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=The Siasat Daily |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=24 November 2024 |title=Sambhal violence: Lens on 'provocative' chant, cop role |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sambhal-violence-lens-on-provocative-chant-cop-role/cid/2066006 |work=The Telegraph India |access-date=28 November 2024 |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201131102/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sambhal-violence-lens-on-provocative-chant-cop-role/cid/2066006 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=28 November 2024 |title=Fact Check: Is Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Not Covered Under Places of Worship Act? |url=https://timelinedaily.com/india/fact-check-is-sambhal-shahi-jama-masjid-not-covered-under-places-of-worship-act |work=Timeline Daily |access-date=2 December 2024 |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203222955/https://timelinedaily.com/india/fact-check-is-sambhal-shahi-jama-masjid-not-covered-under-places-of-worship-act |url-status=live }}
While the state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in the state assembly that the survey was conducted peacefully for the first two days but "provocative speech" during Friday prayers{{by whom|date=December 2024}} spoiled the atmosphere and led to violence.{{Cite web |last=Shukla |first=Manoj |date=2024-12-16 |title=संभल हिंसा पर सीएम योगी का बड़ा बयान: देसी-विदेशी मुसलमानों के बीच वर्चस्व की लड़ाई |url=https://vishwavarta.com/cm-yogis-big-statement-on-sambhal-violence-battle-for-supremacy-between-indian-and-foreign-muslims/115248 |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=Vishwavarta {{!}} Hindi News Paper & E-Paper |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-16 |title=UP Assembly Winter Session 2024: CM Yogi Adityanath Speaks on Sambhal Violence |url=https://thevocalnews.com/big-cities/up-assembly-winter-session-2024-sambhal-violence/cid15888348.htm |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=thevocalnews.com |language=hi}}
Reactions
The Samajwadi Party (SP) criticized the Uttar Pradesh government and the BJP over the survey. SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei accused the BJP of provoking unrest for political gains. He said, "The Sambhal police and administration, along with the BJP, have been provoking people in the Shahi Masjid issue in the name of an ASI survey. This comes a day after the BJP claimed that it got Muslim votes in Kundarki. Is this the reward that the BJP is giving for Kundarki? What does the Places of Worship Act, 1991, say... barring the Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir issue, no other structure will be touched or changed... Exactly after the elections, the BJP has started its game once again. This game of BJP is not good for the integrity of this nation; BJP is trying to divide society."{{Long quote|date=December 2024}}{{Cite web |date=2024-11-24 |title=BJP behind Sambhal violence, wanted to distract from poll rigging: Akhilesh Yadav |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sambhal-violence-in-uttar-pradesh-akhilesh-yadav-accuses-bjp-attack-to-avoid-bypoll-rigging-2639278-2024-11-24 |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=24 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124144155/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/sambhal-violence-in-uttar-pradesh-akhilesh-yadav-accuses-bjp-attack-to-avoid-bypoll-rigging-2639278-2024-11-24 |url-status=live }}
Aftermath
The Uttar Pradesh administration imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Sambhal to prevent further gatherings and potential violence. Investigations were launched to determine the causes and handling of the unrest.{{Cite web |last=Bharathi |first=Vartha |title=Sambhal violence orchestrated by BJP, govt to divert attention from poll rigging: Akhilesh Yadav |url=https://english.varthabharati.in/india/sambhal-violence-orchestrated-by-bjp-govt-to-divert-attention-from-poll-rigging-akhilesh-yadav |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=english.varthabharati.in |language=en |archive-date=24 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124165208/https://english.varthabharati.in/india/sambhal-violence-orchestrated-by-bjp-govt-to-divert-attention-from-poll-rigging-akhilesh-yadav |url-status=live }} Additionally, the district administration ordered a 24-hour internet suspension in the Sambhal Tehsil following violence over a mosque survey.{{Cite web |title=Sambhal Mosque Violence: Internet Banned, Schools Closed After 3 Casualties — Key Updates |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/sambhal-mosque-violence-internet-banned-schools-closed-after-3-casualties-key-updates-2824203.html/amp |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=zeenews.india.com}}
After the violence, 25 people were taken into custody and seven cases were filed against 2,500 people.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=संभल जामा मस्जिद मामले में 2500 के लोगों के खिलाफ मुकदमा दर्ज, हिंसा में मरने वालों की संख्या 4 की पुष्टि |url=https://navbharatlive.com/india/case-registered-against-2500-people-in-sambhal-jama-masjid-case-4-death-confirmed-1049484.html |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Navabharat |language=hi}} Those charged include Zia ur Rahman Barq, MP of Sambhal from Samajwadi Party, and Nawab Suhail Iqbal, the son of Iqbal Mehmood, a party associate.{{Cite web |title=Samajwadi Party MP Among 400 Charged For UP's Sambhal Violence, He Blames Cops |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sambhal-violence-ziaur-rahman-barq-samajwadi-party-mp-among-400-charged-for-violence-7100421 |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=NDTV.com}} The accused in the violence would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).{{Cite web |title=Internet Snapped, Schools Shut As Violence Over Mosque Survey Kills 4 In UP's Sambhal |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sambhal-news-internet-snapped-schools-shut-as-violence-over-shahi-jama-masjid-mosque-survey-kills-3-in-up-7098549 |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=NDTV.com}}
On November 29, 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Sambhal Trial Court to pause proceedings against the Shahi Jama Masjid until the Allahabad High Court hears the Masjid Committee's challenge to a survey order. The Court ordered the survey report to remain sealed and emphasized maintaining peace in the region.{{Cite web |author1=Debby Jain |author2=Anmol Kaur Bawa |date=2024-11-29 |title=Sambhal Masjid: Supreme Court Asks Trial Court To Defer Proceedings Till Survey Order Is Challenged In HC, Keep Commissioner Report Sealed |url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-asks-trial-court-not-to-proceed-till-sambhal-mosques-petition-against-survey-order-is-listed-in-hc-directs-not-to-open-commissioner-report-276723 |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Live Law |language=en |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201171848/https://www.livelaw.in/amp/top-stories/supreme-court-asks-trial-court-not-to-proceed-till-sambhal-mosques-petition-against-survey-order-is-listed-in-hc-directs-not-to-open-commissioner-report-276723 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-11-29 |title=Sambhal mosque survey: SC asks Shahi Jama Masjid management to approach Allahabad HC, tells trial court to halt proceedings |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-sambhal-mosque-survey-case-live-updates-9696603/lite/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member judicial commission, chaired by former Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora, to investigate the violence. The commission visited Sambhal on 1 December, inspecting the affected areas to determine whether the incident was spontaneous or the result of a premeditated criminal conspiracy.{{Cite news |last=Chaudhary |first=Mayank |date=2024-12-01 |title=Judicial panel members visit Sambhal to probe violence |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/judicial-panel-members-visit-sambhal-inspect-areas-where-violence-broke-out/article68934368.ece |access-date=2024-12-25 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}
On March 23, 2025 Police arrested the Shahi Jama Masjid committee president and senior lawyer Zafar Ali in connection with the November 24 violence according to the police. On March 24, 2025 A section of lawyers in Sambhal staged a pen-down protest against the arrest of Zafar Ali. On March 27, 2025 a district court dismissed the interim bail application of Ali and scheduled his regular bail petition for April 2.{{Cite news |date=2025-03-27 |title=Sambhal violence case: Court denies interim bail to Shahi Jama Masjid president Zafar Ali |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sambhal-violence-case-court-denies-interim-bail-to-shahi-jama-masjid-president-zafar-ali/articleshow/119589887.cms |access-date=2025-03-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Mayank |date=2025-03-24 |title=Sambhal advocates hold pen-down protest against arrest of Jama Masjid committee president |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/sambhal-advocates-hold-pen-down-protest-against-arrest-of-jama-masjid-committee-president/article69369379.ece |access-date=2025-03-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} The bail hearing has been rescheduled to April 4 due to the unavailability of the case diary.{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2025-04-02 |title=Court defers bail plea of Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid president to April 4 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/02/court-defers-bail-plea-of-sambhals-shahi-jama-masjid-president-to-april-4 |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}} On 16 April 2025 multiple news outlets reported that Zafar Ali had secured bail in two earlier cases registered against him.{{Cite web |title=संभल हिंसा: जामा मस्जिद कमेटी के सदर जफर अली को मिली जमानत, एएसआई के दर्ज मुकदमों में सुनवाई |url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/sambhal/sambhal-violence-jama-masjid-committee-chief-zafar-ali-gets-bail-hearing-in-cases-filed-by-asi-2025-04-15 |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Kanwardeep |date=2025-04-16 |title=Sambhal Jama masjid chief to stand trial in 2 earlier cases |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/sambhal-jama-masjid-chief-to-stand-trial-in-2-earlier-cases/articleshow/120319809.cms |access-date=2025-04-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite news |last=Gupta |first=Sunny |date=16 April 2025 |title=संभल की JM कोर्ट में जफर अली की पेशी:जामा मस्जिद पर अवैध निर्माण और धमकी देने के दो अलग मामलों में सुनवाई |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/sambhal/news/sambhal-jama-masjid-sadar-zafar-ali-presented-in-cjm-court-134842396.html |access-date=21 April 2025 |work=Dainik Bhaskar}} On May 9, 2025 it was reported that Zafar Ali has moved to Allahabad High court for his bail application as a lower court had rejected his bail application.{{Cite news |last=Gupta |first=Sunny |date=2025-05-09 |title=संभल हिंसा: जफर अली की जमानत याचिका हाईकोर्ट में दायर: 30 मई को होगी सुनवाई, प्रेसवार्ता कर युवाओं को भड़काने का आरोप - Sambhal News |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/sambhal/news/sambhal-violence-zafar-alis-bail-plea-filed-in-high-court-134995306.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250510170906/https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/sambhal/news/sambhal-violence-zafar-alis-bail-plea-filed-in-high-court-134995306.html |archive-date=2025-05-10 |access-date=2025-05-25 |work=Dainik Bhaskar |language=hi}}
On April 4, 2025 three men were detained by police while attempting to enter the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal to perform a Hindu fire ritual.{{Cite web |author=Scroll Staff |date=2025-04-04 |title=Sambhal: Three men detained for trying to perform Hindu rituals at Shahi Jama Masjid |url=https://scroll.in/latest/1081012/sambhal-three-men-detained-for-trying-to-perform-hindu-rituals-at-shahi-jama-masjid |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=2025-04-06 |title=Three Delhi men detained for attempting Hindu rituals at Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/04/3-delhi-men-detained-for-attempting-hindu-rituals-at-sambhals-shahi-jama-masjid |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}
Since the violence took place many residents of Sambhal have complained that local police is harassing them especially Sambhal's muslim resident. The local population is also wary of media and YouTubers as resident fear that media and YouTubers could distort what they say and create another incident.{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Nikita |date=2024-12-20 |title=Sambhal: Police violence survivors wary of threatening police, false-reporting media |url=https://maktoobmedia.com/india/sambhal-police-violence-survivors-wary-of-threatening-police-false-reporting-media/ |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=Maktoob media |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Tewari |first=Samridhi |date=2024-11-29 |title=Sambhal: Another city split into green and saffron |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/sambhal-another-city-split-into-green-and-saffron/article68927558.ece |access-date=2025-03-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}
See also
References
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sambhal violence, 2024}}
Category:November 2024 in India
Category:Riots and civil disorder in Uttar Pradesh
Category:2020s in Uttar Pradesh
Category:Religious riots in India
Category:History of Islam in India
Category:November 2024 crimes in Asia
Category:Mosque-related controversies in Asia