NEW DELHI: The survey conducted at the disputed Shahi Juma Masjid in Uttar Pradesh following the court order has turned violent. A large crowd gathered and clashed with the police. Three people, identified as Naeem, Bilal and Nauman were killed in the firing. Around 30 people, including policemen, were injured. As many as 15 people, including three women, were arrested for pelting stones at the police from the top of their houses. Police have launched a search for the attackers. Police said that a case will be registered against the miscreants under the National Security Act. According to the police, supporters and opponents of the survey clashed and opened fire. About 1,000 people had gathered.

Shahi Juma Masjid is located in Chandausi town of Sambhal district. A large police force had been deployed here for the past few days. A seven-member panel of lawyers headed by court-appointed Ramesh Raghav arrived here for the second survey at around 7 am. The first survey was conducted on the 19th of this month. The survey was conducted in the presence of Sambhal District Collector Dr Rajender Pensiya and the police chief. The report has to be submitted by the 29th.

As soon as the survey started, the mob pelted stones at the police. More than 10 vehicles, including those of the police, were set on fire. The police fired tear gas and opened fired in the air. The violence continued when the team came out after completing the survey. According to the police, the mob, which came from three directions, pelted stones, opened fire and clashed with each other. Police said three people were killed and two others, including policemen, were injured in the firing by the mob. Relatives alleged that three people were killed in police firing.

Mosque or Temple

The Shahi Juma Masjid was built in 1526 by Mughal emperor Babur. A section claimed that the mosque was built by demolishing the Sri Harihar temple that was there. Judge Aditya Singh had ordered the survey on May 19 on a petition filed in the Sambhal civil court by eight persons, including a priest of a temple. The first survey was conducted in haste on the same day, causing resentment in one section. The court had also directed that the survey be recorded on video.

"The BJP government in UP is creating revolts to divert attention from allegations of electoral irregularities.

- Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party