Sambhal toll climbs to 4, SP MP named in FIR

The death toll in the violence in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh rose to four after a teen succumbed to his injuries, while the Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday booked a member of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the son of a local SP legislator in connection with the clashes over a court-ordered survey of a mosque.

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Tension was brewing in the area since last week after a civil court directed the advocate commissioner to conduct a survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. On Sunday, three people were killed and dozens injured as protesters clashed with police after a second inspection of the mosque.

"Last night, we confirmed three deaths, but today [Monday], another person succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. A total of four deaths have taken place," Moradabad deputy inspector general (DIG) of police, Muniraj G, said. The deceased was identified as 17-year-old Mohammad Ayaan.

The three men killed on Sunday were identified as Naeem Gazi, 35, Mohammad Bilal Ansari, 23 and Nauman (went by one name), 50. All four died of bullet injuries.

Divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said that prima facie it appeared that "gunshots from countrymade weapons caused the deaths of the four men", even as members of the mosque committee alleged that police had opened fire on the protesters.

Authorities were yet to reveal the details of the autopsy reports.

Bilal's family also said the authorities have not given the autopsy report to them despite their repeated requests. "We tried to have the post-mortem report of Bilal, but have not received it. He had gone to his shop in the morning and we telephoned him to return home after we came to know about the tense atmosphere. He was returning when a bullet hit him," Bilal's brother said Mohd Aleem said.

Police have maintained that they did not fire at the protesters even though the agitators pelted stones and set vehicles on fire, adding that "some miscreants" in the crowd started the firing.

"The police were permitted to use only anti-riot equipment.