The Samajwadi Party (SP) has raised serious allegations against the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of orchestrating the recent violence in Sambhal to divert attention from police actions during bypoll elections. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav described the violence as a “pre-planned conspiracy” aimed at disrupting communal harmony in the region.
What Happened in Sambhal?
The violence erupted after a court-ordered survey of the 500-year-old Jama Masjid in Sambhal, a mosque steeped in historical significance. The survey, initiated after a petition was filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, claimed the mosque was originally a Hindu temple. Tensions escalated when police barricades disrupted Friday prayers inside the mosque. The situation worsened on November 24, when another survey was conducted, leading to clashes that resulted in at least five deaths and injuries to over 20 people, including police officers.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Allegations
In a statement made in the Lok Sabha, Akhilesh Yadav accused the state government of deliberately causing unrest in Sambhal. He argued that the violence was a calculated move to shift the focus away from police “oppression” during the recently concluded bypolls. Yadav pointed out that tensions began after the police interrupted Friday prayers at Jama Masjid, leading to clashes and fatalities.
He further claimed that the police action during the survey, despite cooperation from the mosque committee, tested the community’s patience and contributed to the violent clashes. “Sambhal, known for its communal harmony, suddenly experienced this well-planned incident aimed at disrupting the peace,” Yadav said.
Ram Gopal Yadav’s Take in Rajya Sabha
Similar accusations were made by party colleague Ram Gopal Yadav in the Rajya Sabha. He claimed that local residents suspected potential vandalism during the survey, leading to public unrest. According to Ram Gopal Yadav, the police had set up camp in Sambhal early in the morning on November 24, creating an atmosphere of tension. When the SDM opened a water tank inside the mosque, it fueled further suspicion among the crowd, eventually leading to police firing shots.
Opposition Walks Out Over Denial of Discussion
In a dramatic turn, opposition members, led by Akhilesh Yadav, staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha after the Speaker, Om Birla, denied him permission to speak about the violence. Yadav, calling the incident a “serious matter,” demanded time to address the issue. However, the Speaker suggested raising the matter during the Zero Hour, prompting the opposition to protest by walking out.
The Sambhal Violence: A Brief Overview
On November 19, 2024, a petition was filed regarding the Jama Masjid, seeking a survey of the site, claiming it was built over a Hindu temple. The court’s decision led to the survey being conducted on November 24, which saw heavy police deployment in the region. Despite initial peaceful cooperation from the mosque committee, the disruptions to Friday prayers sparked outrage, culminating in violent clashes that left five dead and many injured. In the aftermath, police filed numerous cases, and several individuals were arrested and allegedly subjected to mistreatment.
Calls for Justice
The SP has demanded the suspension and prosecution of the officials responsible for inciting the violence. They hold the petitioners and certain authorities accountable for the unrest, urging immediate action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Conclusion
The Sambhal violence has turned into a flashpoint of political contention, with the Samajwadi Party accusing the BJP and the UP government of using the incident to shift focus from alleged electoral malpractices. The ongoing protests in Parliament highlight the deepening divide and call for a more thorough investigation into the causes of the violence, ensuring that justice is served for the lives lost and the victims of police brutality.
Sidenote: This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
