UP mosque survey: Three dead as massive mob clashes with police in Sambhal

At least three people were killed in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday (Nov. 24) as clashes erupted between a mob and police over the survey of a mosque in Sambhal district.

A massive mob of hundreds of people gathered near Shahi Jama Masjid and opposed the survey, which had been initiated following a court order. There are allegations that the mosque was built at the site after the demolition of a temple by the Mughals.

Clashes eruptas mob opposessurvey

As officials arrived at the scene to conduct the survey, the mob started pelting stones at them, and the situation turned violent. In retaliation, police fired tear gas shells at the crowd. Dozens of cops also sustained injuries during the showdown.

Police later confirmed the deaths of two people in the clash but have not revealed their identities. As per reports, the two people succumbed to bullet injuries, but the cause of death will only be ascertained through the autopsy report.

As the clashes erupted, the mosque leader made an announcement from inside the Shahi Jama Masjid, urging people to disperse but to no avail.

Prashant Kumar, a top cop with Uttar Pradesh police, said the situation was now under control.

"A survey was being conducted in Sambhal on the orders of the court. Some anti-social elements have pelted stones. Police and senior officers were present on the spot. The situation is under control, the police will identify the stone pelters and take appropriate legal action," he said.

The police detained at least 18 people from the spot, and a drone survey was also conducted to identify the violent protesters.

The survey of the mosque has been ordered following a plea by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, claiming there used to be a Hindu temple at the spot before Mughals razed it.

Authorities were prepared for any untoward incident, and a heavy police deployment had been ordered. A similar survey was earlier conducted at the site on Nov. 19.

(With inputs from agencies)