Religious Tensions Escalate in Sambhal Following Mosque Survey

Clashes over a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque have left four dead, prompting heightened security and political outcry in Uttar Pradesh.

A court-ordered archaeological survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, triggered violent clashes, resulting in four confirmed deaths and several injuries.
The violence erupted after misinformation spread about the nature of the survey, with some alleging the mosque was built over a demolished Hindu temple in the 16th century.
Police have filed four FIRs and imposed restrictions, including internet suspension and barring outsiders, to prevent further unrest in the area.
Political leaders, including Congress' Rahul Gandhi, criticized the ruling BJP for fostering communal divisions, while the state government promised a fair investigation into the incident.
The Shahi Jama Masjid survey follows a series of similar cases across India, raising concerns over escalating religious tensions and the broader implications for interfaith relations.