Sambhal mosque survey violence: If police did not fire bullet, then who killed those 5 Muslim youths?

Sambhal (UP): Two more persons died in a violent clash that took place during a survey of Jama Masjid in Sambhal district here in Uttar Pradesh taking the toll to five deaths, police sources said here on Monday.

Police sources said that a team of administrative officers along with police reached to survey the Jama Masjid on Sunday, which resulted in a clash. "The ruckus increased so much that the rioters and the police came face to face and there was heavy stone pelting, arson and firing," they said.

During the clash many vehicles were set on fire. The PRO of Senior Superintendent of Police sustained bullet injury in his leg. "Many policemen including the DIG, DM and SP were injured and a deputy collector's leg was broken," they said.

Police sources said that five civilians identified as Naeem (35), Bilal (22), Roman (40), Kaifi (19), and Ayan (19) were killed in the clash. "The families of the people who died in the clash have alleged that people died due to police firing," they said.

However, Divisional Commissioner Ananjay Kumar Singh confirmed that some people died due to bullet injuries but also said that the police did not fire the bullet. Following the clash the internet service of Sambhal tehsil area was closed for the next 24 hours from Sunday afternoon and schools under the tehsil area were also closed on Monday.

Entry of outsiders in Sambhal without permission has been banned till December 1. Police force has also been called from nearby districts Moradabad, Amroha and deployed in Sambhal.

On Monday morning, the police force conducted a flag march in Sambhal and appealed to the citizens to maintain peace. Police is taking special vigilance in violence-affected areas.

Barricading has been done at many places. At present, there is tense peace in Sambhal. Police have arrested more than one and a half dozen people including two women on charges of violence. A report has been filed against more than 400 people.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi has said that the miscreants will not be spared. The miscreants are being identified with the help of CCTV cameras. Strictest action under NSA will be taken against those involved in the riot.