Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, Feb 28: The judicial commission appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the violent clashes that erupted during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal on November 24, 2023, recorded statements from local residents on Friday.
The commission, led by former High Court Judge Devendra Arora and comprising former Director General of Police (DGP) Arvind Kumar Jain and former Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad, is stationed at the Public Works Department (PWD) guest house on Chandausi Road to document testimonies, according to local officials.
The panel was established following the riots that resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left several others, including police personnel, injured. This marks the commission’s fourth visit to Sambhal, having previously conducted inquiries on December 1, January 21, and January 30. During the last visit, statements from officials were recorded.
Tensions in the area had escalated since November 19 when a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was conducted in response to claims that a Harihar temple once stood at the site. The situation took a violent turn on November 24 as protestors clashed with security forces, leading to incidents of stone-pelting and arson.
In response to the unrest, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel announced the formation of the three-member judicial inquiry commission to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The probe continues as the commission gathers statements and evaluates evidence related to the incident.
