“We can at least save some of our things. If the administration demolishes it, nothing will be left,” a resident said anonymously, according to the report. The Times of India.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation continues to raid Sambhal. On Tuesday, Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur Rehman’s house was fitted with a smart meter after receiving a tip-off about illegal construction. Electricity theft worth Rs 1.3 crore has been detected in dozens of houses as the anti-theft campaign is underway under police protection, especially near Jama Masjid.
The anti-encroachment campaign intensified after violent clashes on November 24 during a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Five people died in the violence and more than 20 policemen were injured. The survey claimed that the mosque was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple allegedly demolished during the Mughal period.
The Supreme Court stayed the trial court proceedings pending in the Allahabad High Court against the mosque. Nearby, a well discovered near a mosque has been sealed, and excavation is underway, with heavy police deployment to maintain order.
The “ancient” Sri Karthik Mahadev temple discovered during the drive was reopened on December 13. Officials revealed that the temple has been locked since 1978 and its well houses a Shivalinga, an idol of Lord Hanuman and three damaged idols. Carbon dating of the temple and the origin of the well are being sought.