Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 1 (HBTV): A three-member judicial inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the November 24 violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh confirmed on Sunday that the committee would visit the affected area to gather evidence.

'The probe committee will decide their course of action; our role is to assist them as they collect evidence. Proper security arrangements have been made to ensure the committee's safety, and forces are already deployed in the area they will visit,' Singh stated.

The commissioner assured that the situation in Sambhal is currently peaceful, with authorities maintaining constant vigilance to prevent any disturbances. 'The situation in Sambhal is absolutely peaceful, and we are continuously monitoring it to maintain peace and order,' he added.

Regarding opposition delegations being stopped from visiting the violence-hit region, Singh explained that visits would be permitted once normalcy is fully restored. 'We are working to stabilize the situation with the support of the people. Once everything is normal, anyone can visit Sambhal without any issues,' he said.

Earlier, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government and administration for preventing a party delegation from visiting Sambhal. Yadav alleged that the administration's actions were influenced by the government and accused them of complicity in the violence.

'A Samajwadi Party delegation was en route to Sambhal to support peace and justice. However, the administration's statements are dictated by the government. It is their responsibility to ensure justice for the people,' Yadav said.

Yadav also questioned the necessity of conducting a second survey at the mosque site and criticized the involvement of BJP workers in the process. 'The first survey was conducted peacefully with cooperation from everyone. Why did the administration conduct another survey, and why were BJP workers accompanying them? This reflects the government's bias and their unwillingness to ensure peace,' he added.

Tensions in Sambhal escalated on November 19 when a local court ordered a survey of the Jama Masjid following a petition claiming the mosque was originally a Harihar temple. On November 24, clashes erupted between protestors and police during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of the mosque, resulting in four deaths and injuries to several individuals, including officials and locals.

Police have arrested 27 people, including 25 men and two women, in connection with the violence. Seven FIRs have been registered so far, authorities confirmed.

(ANI)