Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh): A three-member judicial inquiry committee has been established to investigate the violence that occurred on November 24 in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated that the committee will visit the site today to gather evidence, and all necessary arrangements have been made to facilitate the investigation.
Singh emphasized that the committee will carry out its work independently while the administration provides support. He assured that adequate security has been arranged for the committee during their visit, and security forces have already been deployed in the area. He added that the situation in Sambhal is currently calm and that authorities are closely monitoring the situation to maintain peace.
Regarding the restriction on opposition delegations from visiting the affected area, Singh mentioned that once the situation is fully normalized, anyone will be able to visit Sambhal. He encouraged community cooperation to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
Earlier, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of controlling the administration’s statements after a party delegation was prevented from reaching Sambhal. He expressed support for peace and justice, criticizing the government for its role in the violence. Yadav questioned the necessity of a second survey in Sambhal and raised concerns about the involvement of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members in the process.
Tensions in Sambhal escalated after a local court ordered a survey of the mosque on November 19. Clashes between protesters and police during the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid led to four fatalities. The survey was initiated in response to a petition claiming the mosque site was originally a Harihar temple. On November 24, a stone-pelting incident occurred during the Archaeological Survey of India’s examination of the mosque, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries among officials and locals. To date, 27 individuals have been arrested, including 25 men and two women, and seven FIRs have been filed related to the violence, according to police reports.