A violent clash broke out in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday during a court-ordered mosque survey. The mosque survey was initiated after a complaint claimed that a temple was demolished by the Mughals to construct the mosque.
Hundreds of protesters gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid to oppose the survey. As tensions escalated, the crowd turned violent and began pelting stones at the survey team, despite the presence of heavy police security.
To control the situation, police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
Clash Erupts During Mosque Survey in Sambhal
On Sunday morning in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, a mob attacked a team of officials conducting a mosque survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid, throwing stones at them. The police had to intervene, using mild force to control the situation.
The Mosque survey was initiated following a local court order based on a petition alleging that the mosque was constructed on the site of an ancient Harihar temple. The court directed the use of videography and photography to document the site.
In response to the stone-pelting, the police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
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Petitioner Claims Babar Demolished Temple to Build Mosque
A new petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain claims that Mughal emperor Babar partially destroyed a Hindu temple in 1529 to build a mosque in its place. According to Jain, the temple, referred to as the Harihar Temple, holds deep religious importance for Hindus.
He also mentioned that the site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and visible evidence suggests the presence of a Hindu temple structure at the location.
Jain, along with his father Hari Shanker Jain, is known for representing Hindu groups in significant legal cases. One of their notable cases includes the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath dispute.
In this new case, advocate Gopal Sharma, also representing the Hindu side, referred to historical records like Babar Nama and Ain-e-Akbari to back the claim of the temple’s existence. The court has set the next hearing for January 29 to examine the matter further.
Controversy Around the ASI Survey
The ongoing mosque survey of the site by the ASI has drawn criticism and sparked debates. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ameeque Jamei voiced his concerns, accusing the ruling BJP of using the mosque survey for political gains.
Jamei highlighted that the Places of Worship Act, 1991, prohibits changes to the status of religious structures as they existed in 1947, except for the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case. He argued that the BJP’s actions could harm the unity of the nation by creating divisions in society.
Jamei further questioned the timing, stating that the BJP had claimed Muslim votes in the Kundarki elections but is now pushing forward with actions like the ASI survey, which could provoke religious tensions. He described this as a politically motivated “game” by the BJP that could threaten national harmony.
Mosque Survey Conducted Peacefully with Stakeholder Cooperation
Despite objections, the mosque’s management committee fully cooperated with the ASI survey, which took place on November 19. The survey was conducted under the watchful eyes of the police and local authorities to ensure peace.
Both the Hindu and Muslim sides participated in the process, and local stakeholders were present to oversee the exercise. The court and ASI will now review the findings as the case progresses.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why was a mosque survey conducted at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal?
Ans. The mosque survey was conducted following a court order based on a petition alleging that the mosque was built on the site of a demolished Hindu temple.
Q.2. What triggered the violent clash during the mosque survey?
Ans. Protesters opposing the survey gathered near the mosque, leading to stone-pelting. Police responded with tear gas to control the situation.
Q.3. What is the historical claim regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid?
Ans. The petition claims that Mughal emperor Babar partially demolished the Harihar Temple in 1529 to construct the mosque on the same site.
Q.4. What does the Places of Worship Act, 1991, say about such cases?
Ans. The Act prohibits changing the status of religious structures as they existed in 1947, except for the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute.
Q.5. What was the response of the mosque’s management committee to the survey?
Ans. The mosque’s management committee fully cooperated with the ASI survey, conducted peacefully in the presence of police and local stakeholders.
