Sambhal violence: Asaduddin Owaisi moves adjournment motion in Parliament

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday submitted an adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

Referring to the deaths of three youths allegedly killed in police firing on November 24, Owaisi urged Parliament to debate the use of police force during protests.

In his letter to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General, Owaisi stated, "They were exercising their fundamental right to assemble and protest under Article 19(1). This issue is of urgent public importance and the abuse of police powers against citizens must be discussed."

Also Read: Sambhal Mosque Violence

The unrest erupted during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey, ordered by the court, was initially peaceful but escalated into stone-pelting by a mob of 2,000–3,000 people. Vehicles were torched, and property was damaged.

The violence left three civilians dead—Nayeem of Court Karvi, Bilal of Sarai Tareen, and Noman of Hayatnagar Sarai Tareen. Around two dozen others, including senior officials and policemen, were injured. A police PRO sustained a gunshot wound to the foot, while a deputy collector's foot was fractured.

Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh described the incident, saying, "The situation is under control. We are in talks with representatives. The mob was dispersed, but the scale of violence escalated rapidly during the survey."

In the wake of the violence, prohibitory orders have been issued by district magistrate Rajender Pensia. Entry of outsiders, social organizations, and public representatives into Sambhal has been restricted without prior permission.

Security has been tightened around the mosque with patrolling, vehicle barriers, and metal detectors in place. Police have maintained a visible presence to deter further unrest and ensure public safety.

The ASI survey was initiated following a petition by senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, alleging that the Shahi Jama Masjid was originally a temple. The court-mandated survey continued between 7 am and 11 am under heavy police deployment.