Cong defers Sambhal march after standoff with cops in UP

Several Congress workers entered into a scuffle with police personnel and tried to scale barricades outside the party office in Lucknow on Monday as the party's "fact-finding" delegation, led by Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai, was prevented from leaving for Sambhal, where prohibitory orders have been in place since the November 24 violence.

- HT Correspondent

Amid high drama, Rai said the march has been deferred till December 10 in compliance with the restrictions.

Violence erupted in Sambhal on November 24 during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid, killing four people and injuring many others. On November 30, Sambhal district administration issued prohibitory orders restricting outsiders from visiting the district till December 10. A three-member judicial committee inspected the site on Sunday, gathering statements from residents and officials.