SHAHI JAMA MASJID at Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India . Source: @MosquesofIndia

By Fathima Kulsum

After Kashi and Mathura, a mosque from Sambhal is making headlines.  Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain argued in the Sambhal civil Court that Jama masjid in Sambhal  is in fact Shri Harihar temple. Following the hearing, senior civil judge Sambhal division ordered for a survey under the supervision of advocate commissioner.

The allegations were presented to the court at 4 o’clock. Soon after, the court sent a court commissioner to the masjid to conduct a survey. Several district officers including District Magistrate, Superintendent Police also reached with large police presence. A video shows police vehicles arriving at the spot and the court commissioner opening the masjid door with masjid committee members also present with them. 

Speaking to the media, Vishnu Shankar said, “The mandir in Sambhal (referring to the masjid) is the place of worship for us. We all believe that Kalki Avatar is going to happen at this place.”

He further claimed that Babar demolished it partly and built a masjid. He said, “In  the year 1529, Babar tried to demolish the mandir and built a masjid on it.As this is an ASI protected area, any encroachment cannot be done. There are many signs and symbols in the masjid  which are of Hindu mandir. Keeping this in mind, a survey will be conducted following the passed order by the court.”

“Today The honorable civil Court Sambhal on my petition directed a survey by advocate commissioner in alleged Jami masjid in Sambhal which was known as Harihar Mandir. Babar partly demolished this place in 1529. it is believed that Kalki Avatar is to happen at Sambhal,” Vishnu Shankar wrote on X.

Vishnu Shankar is the son of senior advocate Hari Shankar Jain. Both father and son are representing around 110 cases which also includes the Krishna Janmabhoomi and Gyanvapi cases. Shankar is known for fighting the Ram Janmabhoomi case in the year 2021 challenging the places of worship act. 

This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.