Sealed survey report of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, UP, submitted in Court

Evidence found indicating the mosque was previously a temple; sources say

Sambhal (UP) – The survey report of the Shahi Jama Masjid’s structure in Sambhal has been submitted in a sealed envelope by the Commissioner of Sambhal Court, Ramesh Singh Raghav, to the Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh of the Chandausi Court. This sealed envelope will be opened following the Supreme Court’s order. The report is 45 pages long. According to sources, the report contains solid evidence that a Hindu temple existed on the site of this structure.

The survey report includes footage of approximately 4.5 hours and photographs. Around 1,200 photographs were taken during the survey. On the first day of the survey, 19th November 2024, about 1.5 hours of footage was captured, and photographs were taken as well.

What was found in the mosque ?

1. According to the report, there are two banyan trees in the mosque’s vicinity, which are typically associated with Hindu temples and are often worshipped there.

2. There is a well on the site, part of which is inside the mosque’s compound and another part is outside. The external part of the well was covered.

3. More than 500 floral carvings and sculptures were found inside the Jama Masjid. It was also observed that new constructions had been made in the original structure.

4. About 50 pieces of artwork were discovered on the temple’s walls, windows, and various decorated walls. To hide the original architecture of the temple, plaster and paint were applied over these artworks.

5. An iron chain, used to hang a bell at the centre of the dome, was also found. Currently, a chandelier is hung there. Such chains are typically used in temples to hang bells or to suspend a vessel for performing 24-hour water offerings on Shivalinga.

6. The report also mentions that part of the dome has been flattened.

Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid was previously Shri Harihar Temple

The Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi, Sambhal, is a Mughal-era structure and one of the oldest buildings in Sambhal District. It was constructed in 1529 by Mir Beg, a commander, under the directives of Mughal Emperor Babur. The Hindu petitioners claims that the mosque was built by demolishing the Shri Harihar temple. A petition has been filed in the Court regarding this matter, and the survey was conducted based on a Court order.

Fanatical Muslims carried out violence during the survey

On 19th November 2024, when the survey team entered the mosque on the Court’s order, a mob of Muslims started protesting outside. As a result, the team had to leave the site within an hour. On the morning of 24th November, the team returned to continue the survey. At that time fanatical Muslims carried out violence outside the mosque. In the ensuing conflict, five Muslims lost their lives. The Police have arrested 50 people so far in connection with the violence and are searching for an additional 90 individuals.