Police have registered seven FIRs in connection with the violent clashes over a court-mandated survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Among those named are Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, the son of a local SP MLA. Over 2,750 unnamed individuals are also accused, officials said on Monday.
The violence, which began on Sunday, has resulted in four deaths, including one on Monday, and injuries to numerous civilians and officials. Prohibitory orders have been imposed, internet services suspended in Sambhal tehsil, and schools closed. A magisterial probe is underway.
Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar attributed the unrest to inflammatory remarks by Barq, whose earlier statements allegedly incited the mob. Barq, currently in Bengaluru, was named in the FIR based on these remarks.
The clashes erupted as protesters opposed the survey of the mosque, ordered by a local court to investigate claims that a Hindu temple once stood at the site. The survey team, escorted by police, faced stone-pelting and resistance.
Authorities have detained 25 individuals so far and are working to identify others involved. While the city is reportedly returning to normalcy, the area around the mosque remains tense, with heavy police deployment.
This incident has reignited tensions over historical and religious claims to sites across India, drawing nationwide attention.
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