Massive unrest erupted in Sambhal after the second round of surveys began early this morning at the Shahi Jama Masjid following claims that a Hindu temple, the Harihar Mandir, exists within the mosque premises.
As soon as the news spread, a large crowd gathered at the mosque. When efforts were made to disperse the crowd, a scuffle broke out and the people started throwing stones at the police.
The police responded by firing in the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Reports indicate that shots were also fired from the other side, further escalating the situation, as per
Since the Jama Masjid and Harihar Mandir issue came to light, security and peace arrangements in the city have been heightened. On Tuesday, Advocate Commissioner Ramesh Raghav, along with the plaintiff's lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain and representatives of the opposing side, were present to discuss the matter.
On Friday, during the prayers, police forces from eight districts of the Moradabad and Bareilly divisions were deployed to ensure security. To prevent crowds from approaching the Jama Masjid, all access routes to the mosque were barricaded with bamboo poles, and PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) personnel were stationed to maintain order.
On Sunday morning, Advocate Commissioner Ramesh Raghav, accompanied by DM Rajendra Pansiya, SP Krishna Kumar Vishnoi, and a large police contingent, arrived at the Jama Masjid.
At the site, heavy deployment of PAC and RRF (Rapid Response Force) personnel was seen around the barricades, stopping people from moving towards the mosque.
The sudden arrival of the officials, coupled with the heavy police presence, caused a stir among the locals, leading to heightened uncertainty and tension in the city.
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