In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team was allegedly obstructed, insulted and forced to retreat during an official inspection of the Shahi Jama Masjid’s main dome, a protected heritage structure under the Union government. The incident, which occurred on October 8, has now resulted in a hard-hitting FIR against two mosque staffers, turning what should have been routine conservation work into a serious law-and-order confrontation.
According to the complaint filed by Superintendent Archaeologist Vinod Singh Rawat, the ASI team, under the Meerut Circle, arrived at the mosque for a structural inspection and to assess conservation requirements routine duties that require no prior permission from local bodies.
However, the moment the team approached the main dome, employees Hafiz and Mohammad Qasim (Kashif) Khan allegedly blocked their path, refused access, and began using “objectionable and abusive language”. Rawat’s complaint states that despite repeated attempts by the ASI to proceed peacefully, the duo persisted in obstructing government work.
Witnesses told police that an unidentified individual, believed to be aligned with the mosque’s Intezamia Committee, escalated the situation by attempting to provoke a confrontation, “creating an atmosphere of conflict and intimidation”. The ASI team, recognising the rising hostility and fearing further escalation, halted the inspection and withdrew from the site a rare and serious breach of protocol for a central heritage body.
Following Rawat’s letter to the District Magistrate and complaint to the Superintendent of Police, Sambhal police registered a case at Sadar Kotwali on November 14. The accused have been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for offences directly related to obstructing a public servant:
- BNS 132 – Use of force or obstruction to deter a public servant from performing duty
- BNS 352 – Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
- BNS 351(2) – Criminal intimidation
Police station in-charge Gajendra Singh confirmed that the investigation is underway and attempts are being made to arrest the accused. Additional suspects may be added once the role of the unidentified instigator is established.
This is not the first time the Shahi Jama Masjid has been at the centre of confrontation during an ASI survey. On November 24 last year, violent clashes erupted during another inspection, leaving four people dead. Since then, security around the mosque has been on high alert, and every attempt by the ASI to inspect the site has been treated as a potential flashpoint.
This historical backdrop makes the October 8 obstruction even more significant. Officials have pointed out that the dome is ageing and structurally vulnerable, making timely inspections crucial to prevent long-term damage.
Sambhal District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pansiya strongly defended the ASI’s authority, clarifying that the agency “can inspect its protected buildings at any time” and does not require prior approval from the mosque committee or local bodies.
“Conservation and inspection work should be completed without any hindrance,” ASI officials asserted, warning that repeated interference could pose a threat to the structural integrity of a historically significant monument.
Despite video evidence being reviewed by investigators, Intezamia Committee advocate Zafar Ali has claimed that the committee only learned of the incident after the FIR. He insisted that Hafiz, who is employed as a sanitation worker, had “no intention to insult or obstruct” government officials. He also denied that Mohammad Qasim Khan is associated with the committee, describing him as an “outsider”.
However, the ASI maintains that both men played a direct role in stopping the team from entering the dome area, and police sources say further questioning will determine the identity and intent of the third man who allegedly instigated the confrontation.
