On 20th of December, the Archeological Survey of India sent its four member team to conduct a survey in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Sambhal has been at the centre of controversy since last month after Islamist mobs launched attack at the official team who came to survey the disputed structure some call Shahi Jama Masjid which was illegally built by destroying the Hari Har Mandir.
The four-member team of the ASI conducted a detailed survey. The team inspected five Dharma sthals, 19 wells, and the recently reopened ancient Shiva temple, spending 8-10 hours examining these historical sites. Sambhal District Magistrate Dr. Rajender Pensiya confirmed the comprehensive survey, noting that around 24 areas were monitored, and a detailed report would be submitted by the ASI team.
The ASI’s visit is part of an ongoing investigation aimed at understanding the historical significance of the area. Sources indicate that the team may conduct carbon dating to determine the age of the ancient Shiva temple, known as the Bhasma Shankar temple, and associated artifacts. Carbon dating, a scientific technique for dating archaeological finds, will provide insights into the timeline of the site’s history.
The survey follows the reopening of the Bhasma Shankar temple, which had remained locked since 1978 after communal riots. The district administration initiated the process, with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra announcing plans to restore the temple’s original structure. She also confirmed enhanced security measures, including CCTV installation and police deployment, to safeguard the site.
The Sambhal police have intensified surveillance around the temple premises, with Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar noting that roads leading to the site are now monitored by CCTV cameras. Additionally, a control room is being set up to ensure round-the-clock security.
The temple came to light during an anti-encroachment drive, which targeted illegal structures on public property. Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary explained, “We received information about encroachment on a temple. Upon inspection, we discovered the temple.”.
On the 19th of November, the court ordered the survey of Jama Masjid located in Sambhal which is a disputed structure given the religious structure built on top of Hari Har Mandir. The court ordered the survey in response to a petition filed by Supreme Court Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain. On the 24th of November during the second round of survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, the Islamist mob gathered and resorted to violence against the survey team and the police. During the violence around 20 police officers got seriously injured and 4 rioters were killed.
