NEW DELHI: Life in Sambhal began returning to normalcy on Tuesday, two days after violence erupted during a court-mandated survey of a Mughal-era mosque.
Schools have reopened and essential shops have resumed business, though internet services remain suspended. Officials from police and administration continue surveillance, with security forces positioned at crucial points and RAF teams stationed in sensitive zones.
The authorities have restricted entry of outsiders and public representatives to Sambhal through November 30. Whilst most of the district appears peaceful, the vicinity of Shahi Jama Masjid remains vacant.
Unrest had begun in Sambhal since November 19, following the initial mosque survey ordered by the court in response to a petition claiming the previous existence of a Harihar temple at the location.
On Sunday, as the survey team resumed their work, a substantial crowd assembled near the mosque and began raising slogans. The situation escalated into clashes with security forces, including vehicle burning and stone pelting.
Official records indicate four fatalities from the violence, with approximately two dozen people, including security and administration personnel, sustaining injuries.
A magisterial investigation is underway, and superintendent of police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation was controlled, assuring strict consequences for those responsible for the disturbance.
He indicated that authorities are reviewing drone footage, CCTV recordings and mobile videos to identify and arrest suspects.
Police have detained 25 individuals and registered seven FIRs, listing Samajwadi Party’s Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, Sohail Iqbal (son of local party MLA Iqbal Mehmood), and 2,750 unnamed persons as accused.
District magistrate Rajendra Pensiya confirmed on Monday that the survey was executed as per court directives.
