After a local court ordered an archeological study of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a mosque from the 16th century, after receiving a petition alleging that it was constructed on the site of a Hindu temple, tensions in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, sharply increased.
Misinformation that the survey crew was excavating inside the mosque sparked demonstrations on Sunday morning.
Families and protesters accused law enforcement of using excessive force as police approached demonstrators as the demonstrations expanded, and at least five people were confirmed dead from gunfire.
But according to the police, “miscreants opened fire,” and they are looking into where the shooting came from.
Local officials responded to the violence by enforcing a curfew-like scenario, closing schools and marketplaces, and blocking internet access in an effort to quell the disturbance.
