25 Arrested in Sambhal Mosque Violence; FIR Lodged Against SP MP Barq, MLA Mehmood's Son

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Seven FIRs have been filed in connection with the violence that erupted over a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, with Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and the son of local SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood, Sohail Iqbal, named as accused, according to officials on Monday.

The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders, barring the entry of outsiders into Sambhal until November 30. Internet services have been suspended in the Sambhal tehsil, and schools were declared closed for the day. A magisterial probe has been ordered to investigate the violence. Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated that, initially, it appears gunshots from country-made weapons caused the deaths, though further details were not disclosed.

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar confirmed that seven FIRs had been registered, with six people, including Barq and Iqbal, named, while 2,750 others were listed as unidentified. Kumar noted that Barq's previous statements had worsened the situation, leading to the mob's mobilization. He added that Barq had previously been given a notice for his remarks on the "protection of Jama Masjid."

Although Barq was not present in Sambhal on Sunday, as he was reportedly in Bengaluru, his name was included in the FIR due to his earlier statements. Kumar further assured that those responsible for throwing stones at the mosque would be identified, and action would be taken against those spreading rumors.

Among the seven FIRs, two were filed at Nakasa police station, with the rest registered at Sambhal Kotwali. To date, 25 people have been arrested, and efforts are underway to identify others involved in the violence.

District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya confirmed that prohibitory orders were issued under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), prohibiting outsiders, social organizations, and public representatives from entering the district without permission. Violating the order is punishable under Section 223 of the BNS.

The three individuals who died in the violence, Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman, all around 25 years old, were buried on Sunday, as reported by Muniraj. According to the district officials, many people had gathered from surrounding areas, about 10-15 kilometers away, contributing to the unrest.

Traffic in the city has returned to normal, though the area near the mosque remains deserted, with heavy police presence and patrolling ongoing. Some shops have reopened in the afternoon, and while several homes in the area remain locked, there is no communication from local residents with the media.

The unrest in Sambhal began on November 19 when a survey of the Jama Masjid was ordered by the court following a petition claiming the site was once home to a Harihar temple. On Sunday, tension escalated when a large crowd gathered near the mosque and began shouting slogans as the survey team proceeded. The survey, which could not be completed on Tuesday, was rescheduled for Sunday to avoid disruption during afternoon prayers.

Vishnu Shankar Jain, the Supreme Court lawyer and petitioner in the case, had previously stated that the court ordered the formation of an "advocate commission" to carry out the mosque survey, including videography and photography. Jain also urged the Archaeological Survey of India to take control of the site, which some local advocates claim was originally a Hindu temple demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529.

The violence on Sunday led to the deaths of three individuals, with several others, including security personnel and administrative officials, injured. A fourth victim succumbed to injuries on Monday.