Sambhal, 24 November (IANS). A court-ordered survey of Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday morning led to violent clashes between local people and police, resulting in the death of three people. About 20 policemen have been injured in stone pelting.
Moradabad Commissioner Anjaneya Singh, while talking to the media, said that on the orders of the court, the survey of Jama Masjid was to be conducted from 7 am to 11 am on Sunday. On the orders of the court, the survey team came here under the leadership of Advocate Commissioner. Adequate security force was also accompanying the team. DM and Superintendent of Police were also present.
The team reached Jama Masjid to conduct the survey. Everything was fine in the beginning. The survey took place for about two hours. At the same time a crowd gathered there. In the beginning people started raising slogans. After some time, stone pelting started there. However, the crowd could not reach the mosque premises. The police dispersed the crowd.
When the team left after 11 o’clock after doing the survey, people started pelting stones. There were three groups, who were continuously pelting stones from three sides. The police used force to get the team out safely. The police had also released tear gas shells.
Meanwhile, a group of them started setting vehicles on fire. Police used force to disperse those people. There were three groups from three sides. Meanwhile some group opened fire. The PRO of the Superintendent of Police was shot in the leg, a Deputy Collector’s leg was fractured. There were also CO pellets. About 20 police personnel have been injured. A constable has suffered serious head injuries.
Three people have died in this firing. The deceased have been identified as Naeem, Bilal and Noman. Preparations are being made for their post-mortem. At present the situation is under control. So far 15 people have been detained. These people are being interrogated. This is definitely an act of provocation. Stone pelting has been done due to someone’s instigation.
The survey work is being done on the orders of the court. The survey work was going on peacefully, no problems had arisen so far. Efforts are being made to convince everyone. Talks are also being held with public representatives.
–IANS
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