• Source:JND
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Sambhal News:  After hours of intense chaos, a tense silence has engulfed the city of Sambhal following violent clashes near Shahi Jama Masjid which resulted in three deaths and over two dozen injuries, including to cops and the stone pelters on Sunday. The three youths who died during the four-hour-long ordeal were identified as Nayeem, a resident of Court Karvi; Bilal, a resident of Sarai Tareen, Sambhal; and Noman, a resident of Hayatnagar Sarai Tareen, a senior official said.

The brawl ignited in the early hours of Sunday when a team of Sambhal police, administration and court-appointed team arrived at the Mughal-era mosque to conduct a survey, ordered by a local court in connection with a petition by a local priest who claimed that the structure was erected over an ancient temple.

What Happened In Sambhal Today

As soon as the people became aware of the ongoing survey, a Muslim mob gathered outside the premises and started raising slogans. Soon, it swelled to hundreds and started pelting stones at the police and officials, prompting a clash.

According to reports, firearms were used by the stone pelters against the cops and multiple cars and bikes were set to fire. The police retaliated using tear gas and rubber bullets and the officials were somehow rescued from the scene.

SDM, PRO Among Seriously Injured

While three rioters were killed, four senior police officers, around 20 policemen, and a deputy collector sustained serious injury in the clash. A police Public Relations Officer (PRO) also sustained a bullet injury to his leg during the incident.

Magisterial Inquiry Ordered

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.

"The police PRO was shot in the foot during the firing. The deputy collector's foot was fractured. The Circle Officer (CO) was injured. A total of three people are confirmed dead in the firing. The situation is under control, and we are speaking to their representatives," Divisional Commissioner Singh told reporters.

Oppn Slams Yogi Govt Over Unrest

The incident also prompted a stern reaction from the opposition parties with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav declaring it an attempt to cover up the bypoll elections fraud.

Akhilesh claimed that the survey team was sent to disrupt the environment so that no one could discuss the elections.

"During this clash, many young people were injured, and one even lost his life. If the survey had already been conducted, why did the government conduct another survey, that too early in the morning and without preparation," he asked.