Schools, colleges shut; internet suspended after Mosque survey violence killed 4 in Sambhal

PTC News Desk: Clashes broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal when protestors launched vehement protest against a mosque survey that killed four people while injuring several others. Following the incident, authorities have imposed strict security measures enforced prohibitory orders, shut down schools and colleges and suspended internet services in the area.

The survey was conducted as mosque after a court directive which was issued in response to the plea claiming that the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple.

The protesters also set some vehicles on fire and pelted stones on the police officers who in response used tear gas and water canons to disperse the mob. Twenty-one people, including two women, have been detained and a probe has been launched, an official said, adding that those accused in the violence would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

"The reason for the death of two of them is clear -- bullet wounds from countrymade pistols. The reason for the death of the third person is not clear, but it will be after the post-mortem examination," District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya said.

Officials have also issued prohibitory orders for outsider, social organization or public representative from entering Sambhal without the prior orders.