Police Open Fire During Mosque Survey in Uttar Pradesh India, Three Muslims Martyred

Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district India, tensions escalated as police used force, including live ammunition, during a controversial survey of a mosque. The survey was reportedly conducted to investigate claims that the mosque was built by demolishing a Hindu temple during the Mughal era.

According to Indian media, Hindu extremists had filed a court case alleging that the Jama Masjid was constructed on the ruins of a temple. They claimed that artifacts found near the mosque corroborated their claim.

In response, the mosque committee dismissed the allegations, labeling them as baseless and part of a conspiracy to replicate the events surrounding the Babri Masjid.

Following court orders to conduct a survey, police arrived at the site, accompanied by Hindu extremists. Over 1,000 Muslims gathered outside the mosque, demanding to see the court’s directive and blocking police entry without it.

The situation escalated when police attempted to disperse the crowd using force. Officers reportedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three Muslim youths identified as Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman.

Adding insult to injury, Moradabad police arrested 15 Muslims, including three women, under what the community leaders described as false charges, further exacerbating communal tensions.

Police said there was peace in the area at the moment. Internet services, however, were suspended for 24 hours as a precaution. The district administration further declared a holiday on Monday (November 25) for all students up to Class 12. Soon after the clashes, which included stone-pelting incidents, the sale or collection of stones, soda bottles, flammable or explosive items was also banned in the area.