Sambhal, – Police detained three individuals from Delhi on Friday after they allegedly attempted to conduct Hindu religious rituals, including a havan and puja, at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, a site currently under dispute.
The incident occurred amid heightened security arrangements during Friday prayers. Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi confirmed the arrest, stating, “Three persons arrived by car near the disputed location and were taken into custody. They were brought to the police station, and appropriate legal action will be taken for attempting to disrupt public order. They will also be warned against entering Sambhal again.”
Among the detained, Sanatan Singh claimed, “We came to perform a havan and yagna at the Vishnu Harihar temple, but police arrested us. If namaz can be offered there, why can’t we perform puja?” Veer Singh Yadav added, “We came to perform rituals at the Sambhal mosque, but were stopped.” The third individual, Anil Singh, said, “We were there for a havan at the Harihar temple when we were detained.”
The area of Mohalla Kot Garvi, where the incident occurred, has been tense since November 24 last year, when violence erupted following a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Four people lost their lives and several, including police personnel, were injured. The petition behind the survey claimed that the mosque was built atop a demolished Hindu temple.
Authorities have reiterated that any actions threatening communal harmony will be dealt with sternly.
