Violence Erupts During Mosque Survey in Uttar Pradesh

Violence erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, during a court-ordered survey of the 16th-century Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to the deaths of three individuals, identified as Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman. The mosque is at the center of a legal dispute, with claims that it was built over a Hindu temple, resulting in tensions between communities. As the survey team faced a crowd of nearly 1,000 protesters, clashes broke out, with stones thrown at police and vehicles set ablaze. Authorities responded with tear gas and rubber bullets; however, conflicting reports emerged regarding the circumstances of the fatalities, with some alleging police firing. Local officials have since deployed additional forces and closed schools to prevent further unrest while investigating those involved in the violence. The survey's findings are expected to be submitted to the court by the end of the month, highlighting a contentious intersection of historical claims and communal tensions.