The death toll has risen to five as police fired on Muslims protesting the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday.
Tensions erupted after locals resisted the court-ordered survey team, who were accompanied by a Hindutva mob chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” leading to clashes with the police.
The killed were identified as Naeem (28), Mohd Bilal Ansari (25), Noman, Ayaan, and Mohd Kaif (17).
Family members of the deceased alleged that their kin were killed in police firing. The killings have sparked outrage in the region.
The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and paused the entry of outsiders till November 30. Internet services have been halted, and schools have been closed in the region.
Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said that three of the victims were killed after sustaining bullet injuries.
“Three men were killed, primarily due to bullet wounds,” said Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.