The violence in Sambhal, sparked by a dispute over a mosque survey, has claimed four lives, all caused by bullets fired from country-made firearms. Authorities confirmed the findings through post-mortem reports as tensions remain high in the city. Moradabad Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar stated, “The post-mortem findings confirm that country-made firearms were used in all four fatalities. A magisterial inquiry will be conducted into these deaths.”
The unrest, which began last week, prompted the district administration to take stringent measures. District Magistrate Rajendra Painsiya ordered the closure of all educational institutions on Monday and imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders, social organizations, and public representatives into Sambhal until November 30.
Efforts to restore calm were disrupted on Monday afternoon when Zafar Ali, head of the Shahi Jama Masjid, made allegations against a Circle Officer (CO) during a press conference. Ali accused the officer of ordering water to be drained from the mosque’s ‘hauz’ (ablution tank), which allegedly overflowed and drew a crowd outside the mosque.
“When I questioned the CO about this, he abused me, used his baton on the people, and threatened to deal with me harshly if I continued asking questions,” Ali alleged during the briefing. The situation took another turn when police detained Zafar Ali following the press conference, sparking renewed tension in the area.
In response, the administration has bolstered security across Sambhal. Under the leadership of DIG Muniraj G, police conducted flag marches in sensitive areas. Key intersections have been barricaded, and additional forces have been deployed at entry points to the city. Riot-control vehicles have also been stationed to prevent further flare-ups.
As of Monday, 25 people, including two women, have been arrested in connection with the violence. Two FIRs have been lodged, one of which names Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ziaur Rahman Barq and the son of local SP MLA Iqbal Mahmood for allegedly inciting the mob. Another FIR has been registered against 2,500 unidentified individuals. SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi warned of severe consequences for those involved in the violence. “Strict action will be taken under the Gangster Act and the National Security Act (NSA) against all culprits,” he said.
Sambhal remains under an unofficial lockdown as shops, markets, and schools stay closed, and streets are deserted except for security patrols.
Many homes in the violence-hit areas are locked, and residents have been advised to stay indoors. Internet services have been suspended until Tuesday, with the possibility of an extension if tensions persist.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticised the state government’s handling of the unrest, calling its approach “biased and hasty.” In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi said, “The administration’s insensitive action without listening to all parties worsened the situation, resulting in the deaths of innocent people - for which the BJP government is directly responsible.” He also appealed for peace and restraint.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid spreading rumors and cooperate in maintaining order. While no fresh incidents of violence were reported on Monday, the administration remains on high alert, with police personnel from 30 stations across the Moradabad range deployed to ensure peace.
