The Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh is witnessing turmoil over the mosque survey. Violence escalated on Sunday, leading to the death of four people and severe injuries to others. Protesters reportedly stoned a man and left him with extensive burns.
The police have accused Socialist Party MP Geor Rahman of inciting the violence. In the FIR, they named him as the main instigator, alleging that he provoked the crowd for political gains and caused communal unrest.
India Today reported that authorities registered six FIRs in connection with the violence. One FIR claimed that the MP visited the mosque a few days before the incident without permission. He allegedly offered Namaz, gathered people, and delivered a hate speech.
Geor Rahman and his team denied these allegations, claiming he was out of town during the violence. The MP accused the police of conspiring against him. The FIR also mentioned Suhail Iqbal, son of MLA Iqbal Mahmud, along with others present in the crowd.
The legal battle intensified as the Jama Masjid in Sambhal became a focal point of a dispute. Hindu groups claimed the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple. On Sunday, an advocate commissioner led a survey team to inspect the mosque. The situation turned tense as a crowd gathered near the site, leading to violence. Protesters hurled stones at the police and set fire to over 10 lanes.