Tensions escalated dramatically in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh after a local court’s order for an archaeological survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a 16th-century mosque, following a petition claiming that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple.

On Sunday morning, protests erupted after misinformation spread that the survey team was excavating within the mosque.

As protests grew, police confronted demonstrators, and at least five individuals were reported dead from gunfire, leading families and protesters to accuse law enforcement of using excessive force.

The police, however, claim that “miscreants opened fire” and are currently investigating the source of the gunfire.

In response to the violence, local authorities imposed a curfew-like situation, shutting down markets, schools, and cutting off internet access to contain the unrest.

This incident is part of a broader trend in India, where Hindu nationalist groups have increasingly petitioned the courts to reclaim sites they allege were once Hindu temples.

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The Shahi Jama Masjid, which is recognized as a protected monument, has become a focal point in these disputes, echoing similar claims made in other cities like Varanasi and Mathura.

Legal experts argue that the Supreme Court’s earlier rulings have contributed to the current tensions.

In a controversial decision regarding a similar mosque-temple dispute in Varanasi, the court allowed archaeological surveys, which critics say have encouraged further claims against Muslim sites.

As the community mourns those lost in the clashes, questions arise about the role of the judiciary and the implications of these ongoing religious disputes in India.