NEW DELHI: Tensions are high in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, after clashes over a mosque survey left four people dead. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi blamed the Yogi Adityanath government for the violence, calling its actions "hasty and unfair."
The violence began on Sunday when a survey team visited the Mughal-era Jama Masjid. A local court had ordered the survey after a petition claimed the mosque was built on a demolished Harihar temple. While the first round of the survey went peacefully last week, protests broke out during the second visit. The crowd near the mosque raised slogans, and the situation quickly turned violent.
Police had to use force to control the crowd after stones were thrown at officers. According to District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia, the situation is now under control, and seven cases have been filed against over 400 people involved in the violence.
Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Criticise State Government
Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and said the BJP government’s actions caused the violence. "The administration ignored all sides and acted insensitively. This led to the tragic deaths. The BJP is responsible," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Congress MP and Rahul’s sister, also criticised the state government. She called for the Supreme Court to step in and urged people to stay peaceful. "The government’s insensitivity has caused this tragedy. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace," she said.
Opposition Alleges Political Agenda
The Samajwadi Party accused the BJP of using the survey to stir up tensions and distract from allegations of election irregularities in the recent bypolls. "The survey was done to provoke people and avoid discussions about election rigging," a party leader said.
The situation remains tense, and political leaders have called for calm to prevent further violence.