Bareilly: In Sambhar, another inquiry was conducted at Shahi Jama Masjid on Sunday. The investigation team arrived at 6 am in the presence of DM Rajendra Pansia, SP Krishna Bishnoi, SDM Vandana Mishra, circle member Anuj Chaudhary and Tehsildar Ravi Sonkar. Multiple teams including local police, PAC and quick response force were deployed at the scene.
Within two hours of the investigation opening, several protesters gathered at the scene and threw rocks at security forces, injuring officers. The crowd was later dispersed after police violently attacked and used force. Footage of the incident was widely shared on social media.
On November 19, members of the Kela Devi Temple Committee filed a petition in the Chandausi Civil High Court claiming that the Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal was a Shri Harihar temple that was converted into a mosque during the reign of Babur in 1529.
Civil Judge (High Court) Justice Aditya Singh ordered a photo and video inquiry on the same day. An investigation was held later that night and lasted for an hour and a half.
Tight security arrangements
Nearly 5,000 people gathered at the 16th-century Jama Masjid for Friday prayers amid tight security.
“The entire area has been cordoned off to ensure that peace is not disturbed. We have been in constant contact with the police deployed in the area earlier to trace anti-social elements,” a senior police officer said on condition of anonymity because of a ‘ Intelligence ‘reports indicate that there will be attempts to quell communal unrest here.
Given the public sensitivity in the area, authorities are taking significant precautions. The mosque’s history includes events in 1976 when an imam was killed by a member of another community, leading to widespread violence and a month-long curfew.
The mosque is about 150-200 meters away from the “Kalki” temple.
“We have deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF), PAC and police forces from nearby police stations to maintain law and order in Sambhar. Drone cameras were also Used to track every movement. During Thursday’s flag march, we sent a strong message that strict action will be taken if anyone attempts to disrupt the peace. Given the sensitivity of the court case, troops will continue to be deployed near the mosque. .
