Wife of Nayeem, 35, a father of four who ran a sweet shop | Manisha Mondal
Heartbreaking Losses Emerge from Sambhal Violence
On Sunday morning, 18-year-old Mohammed Kaif left home for his job at a cosmetics shop. That was the last time his family saw him alive. His mother, Aneesha, searched for him all day after hearing about unrest near the Shahi Jama Masjid. By evening, after Maghrib prayers, the police brought the devastating news—Kaif had died.
Inside their home, Kaif’s elder brother, Mohammed Zaid, rested with bandaged hands. Aneesha recalled how police had broken their door and forcibly detained Zaid earlier in the day. After Kaif’s death was confirmed, the family pleaded for Zaid’s release. “We begged them, and they let him go,” she said.
Unrest and Violence
The violence erupted as survey teams revisited the Shahi Jama Masjid on court orders. Allegations about the mosque being built over a temple sparked the survey, but the second visit led to riots. At least four people died, and many, including police, were injured. Authorities detained over 25 people, including minors and two women.
Stories of Loss
Seventeen-year-old Ayaan also left for work that morning but never returned. His mother, Nafeesha, grieved holding his photograph. “I shouldn’t have let him go. The police killed my son,” she said through tears. His companion, Baseem, was injured and remains in critical condition.
In another tragedy, 35-year-old Nayeem, a father of four, was shot while fetching supplies. “The bullet passed through his chest,” his brother Tasleem said.
Tensions and Allegations
Locals accuse the police of using excessive force, including firing on the crowd. Police officials claim only minimal force was used, including pellet guns and tear gas. Post-mortems are underway to confirm the cause of deaths.
A Community in Mourning
Heavy police presence, suspended internet, and prohibitory orders have left Sambhal in a tense silence. Families grieve their losses while seeking justice and answers amid fear and uncertainty.
This violence has left a scar on the community, one that may take years to heal.
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