In the aftermath of violent clashes during a mosque survey in Sambhal, District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya announced that 33 individuals have been sent to jail, and more than 400 suspects have been identified in connection with the unrest. Authorities have been on high alert, implementing strict security measures to prevent further escalation.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, District Magistrate Pensiya confirmed the arrests and identified over 400 individuals involved in the violence, stressing the importance of maintaining peace in the region. “So far, 33 people have been sent to jail. Security remains in place in Sambhal, and full vigilance is being maintained. More than 400 individuals have been identified. We have requested everyone to refrain from visiting until December 10 due to the sensitivity of the situation,” Pensiya stated. His directive has been issued amid fears of potential flare-ups in the region following the unrest.
Sambhal’s Superintendent of Police (SP), KK Bishnoi, also reassured the public that the situation was under control. “The administration and police have worked diligently to maintain peace since the incident occurred. Presently, 10 companies of PAC and RAF are deployed for daily patrolling and to ensure peace at key locations,” said SP Bishnoi.
The SP further emphasised the importance of cooperation from public representatives in maintaining law and order. “In view of the District Magistrate’s order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), we appeal to public representatives to cooperate in maintaining peace until December 10. The situation will be reviewed after that date to determine whether normalcy has been restored, and further decisions will be taken accordingly.”
The violence in Sambhal was triggered by a survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, which led to five fatalities and widespread unrest in the area. The resulting violence has drawn significant attention from political leaders and sparked debates on the handling of communal tensions in the state.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, along with other party members, attempted to visit the violence-hit Sambhal on Wednesday. However, their plans were thwarted when police stopped them at the Ghazipur border between Delhi and Noida, citing security concerns and restrictions in place due to the ongoing unrest. The Congress delegation was forced to return to Delhi without being allowed to enter Sambhal.
Reports from the Ghazipur border indicated significant disruptions, with commuters raising slogans against Rahul Gandhi as traffic slowed due to barricades set up to prevent the Congress leaders from proceeding. A scuffle also broke out between Congress workers and commuters on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, leading to massive traffic congestion in the area.
Rahul Gandhi, expressing frustration over the obstruction, said he was willing to forgo his convoy and travel to Sambhal under police escort but was denied permission. “We are trying to go to Sambhal, but the police are not allowing it. As Leader of the Opposition, I have the right to visit, but they are stopping me. I am willing to go alone or under police escort, but they refused. They asked us to return after a few days. This is a violation of the rights of the Leader of the Opposition and the Constitution,” Rahul Gandhi stated.
He criticized the government’s actions, calling them unconstitutional and an infringement on his rights as the opposition leader. “We just want to visit Sambhal, meet the people, and see what happened. My constitutional right is being denied. This is the new India–a country undermining the Constitution and eroding Ambedkar’s legacy. We will continue to fight,” he added.
The ongoing tensions in Sambhal have led to a political uproar, with opposition parties accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of mishandling the situation. The violence, which began during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, has resulted in casualties, property damage, and widespread fear among the local population. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, questions remain about the state’s response to communal tensions and the role of political leaders in navigating such volatile incidents.
With the government’s appeal for people to avoid visiting Sambhal until December 10, the region remains under close scrutiny, and the situation is expected to remain tense in the coming weeks as authorities assess whether normalcy can be restored.
