BJP uses power to create divide between Hindus and Muslims, says Rahul Gandhi

“The use of power by the BJP to create division and discrimination between Hindu-Muslim communities is neither in the interest of the state nor the country. I request the Supreme Court to intervene in the matter at the earliest and provide justice,” Gandhi said. .

The former Congress chief also called for peace and mutual harmony.

“We must all unite to ensure that India progresses on the path of unity and constitution, and not communalism and hatred,” Gandhi said.

The district administration has already imposed prohibitory orders and banned entry of outsiders till November 30 after Sunday’s clashes.

Internet services in Sambhal tehsil were soon suspended for 24 hours and the district administration declared Monday a public holiday for all schools.

Violence broke out in the district as protesters opposing the Jama Masjid probe clashed with security personnel. The protesters set fire to vehicles and pelted police with stones, while security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.

There had been tension in Sambhal since November 19, when the Jama Masjid was first investigated on a court order following a petition alleging that a Harihar temple had existed at the site.

Trouble started early on Sunday when a large group of people gathered at the mosque and began chanting slogans as the investigation team began its work.

District officials said the investigation could not be completed on Tuesday and was scheduled for Sunday to avoid interference with midday prayers.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad) Muniraj told reporters on Monday that Naeem, Bilal and Nauman – the three men killed in Sunday’s violence – had been buried. All three were about 25 years old.

He later confirmed the death of a fourth person.

Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, “Shots were fired by miscreants… the PRO of the Superintendent of Police was shot in the leg, the circle officer was hit by bullets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence.”

A constable also suffered serious head injuries while the deputy collector broke his leg, he had said.

The Congress on Sunday alleged that the Adityanath government was fully responsible for killing innocents and that only the BJP-RSS was guilty of “setting fire” to peace and harmony in Sambhal.

The opposition party had said that the videos of direct firing at the protesters reflected the gruesome outcome of a ‘well-planned conspiracy’ by Adityanath and the BJP-RSS.