• Source:JND
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Sambhal remained calm a day after the deadly violence which claimed five lives and witnessed injuries to at least 2 dozen, including policemen and protestors. The unsettling silence peered through the road, with markets closed and shops shut most of the day. Heavy police presence was witnessed in the city, with countless temporary checkpoints and pickets erected to ensure no repetition of any untoward incident.

Yesterday, a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid of the city, turned to a major clash after Muslim community members protested against it and resorted to attacking the police and administration teams. Heavy stone pelting and gun firing were reported in the localities surrounding the mosque, which resulted in fatalities.

The rioters set multiple private vehicles of policemen on fire and several bikes were also set ablaze, a senior official told reporters.

How's Sambhal Post The Violence

Pickets were stationed at key intersections and major areas, ensuring peace on Monday, the second day of the riots. Despite the calm, markets remained largely shuttered, and the streets wore a deserted look. Many shopkeepers gathered near their establishments, deliberating whether to reopen. After prolonged discussions, a few shops cautiously opened their shutters by the afternoon, a Dainik Jagran report stated.

SDM Urged Shopkeepers To Open Markets

On regular days, markets typically open around 9:30 am, but Monday saw an unusual scenario as shops remained shut even past 10:30 am. In response, SDM Vandana Mishra convened a meeting with traders, shopkeepers, and business organization representatives at the police station, urging them to resume normal operations.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered in the case, an official said. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh gave a detailed account of the incident to the reporters.

"After the survey was completed, stone pelting started by three groups from three directions. The police used tear gas and plastic bullets to handle the situation. Another group started setting vehicles on fire and also began firing," he said.