Three people were killed in a violent clash in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday after a mob, opposing survey of a mosque, clashed with the police. The survey was initiated following a court order based on a complaint alleging that the Mughals demolished a temple to construct the mosque.
The protesters, numbering in the hundreds, gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid as the survey team arrived and opposed the move. The situation turned violent as the mob threw stones at the survey team, which was accompanied by heavy police deployment. In retaliation, the police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Those who died were identified as Nauman, Bilal and Naim, Moradabad Commissioner Ananjay Kumar said.
The police have confirmed the deaths but have not disclosed the victims’ identities. While it is alleged that the victims sustained bullet injuries, the police stated that the exact cause of death will only be determined after the autopsy.
“Some people, including two women, were arrested. Women were throwing stones from the roof. So far, three people have died in Sambhal,” Kumar said.
