Three Dead in Sambhal: A Peaceful Survey Turned Deadly—What Went Wrong
New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Three people were killed in violent clashes during a survey at Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, amid allegations of police firing during protests and unrest. The incident occurred on Sunday, when tensions erupted in Sambhal district during the mosque survey, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and widespread chaos. The victims have been identified as Naeem Khan, Bilal, and Noman, who were caught in the turmoil when clashes broke out between the police and protesters. Family members of Naeem Khan have accused the police of shooting him, a claim that has fueled protests and anger in the area.
The violence began around 11:00 AM, when a police team attempted to disperse a crowd that had gathered near the mosque during the survey. According to Naeem Khan's family, the police opened fire in the presence of the local CEO, and one of the bullets struck Naeem, killing him instantly. The family maintains that Naeem was not part of the protest but was merely on his way to buy oil for his shop when he was shot.
Evidence of police gunfire was found on the iron shutters of a nearby building, which supports the allegations of shooting. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Naeem Khan succumbed to his injuries. Local reports suggest that Bilal and Noman were also killed by police gunfire as they were in the vicinity of the clashes, which included stone-pelting and arson.
The survey at Shahi Jama Masjid began peacefully around 7:30 AM but quickly escalated when a crowd of around 1,000 people gathered. Tensions flared as protesters threw stones at the police and set fire to vehicles. In response, the police used tear gas and lathi charges to control the situation. As the violence intensified, the police resorted to firing shots to disperse the crowd, causing panic among residents, many of whom fled to avoid the escalating conflict. Reinforcements were called in to help manage the unrest.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from both the local community and political figures. The families of the deceased are demanding justice, accusing the police of excessive force. The bodies of the three men have been sent for post-mortem, and authorities have promised a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, security forces continue to maintain a heavy presence in the area to prevent further violence.
