Congress Workers Clash with Police in Lucknow Over Sambhal Visit

GG News Bureau
Lucknow/Sambhal, 2nd Dec. Scores of Congress workers clashed with police outside the party’s office in Lucknow on Monday as they were stopped from heading to Sambhal, the site of recent violence. The party had planned a fact-finding visit to the district, led by Congress’ Uttar Pradesh unit chief Ajay Rai, but police barricades were set up outside the office and several leaders’ residences to prevent them from leaving. The Congress termed the action “anti-democratic” and accused the state government of trying to suppress the truth behind the violence.

Tensions in Sambhal escalated after a mosque was surveyed under court orders in connection with claims that a temple stood at the site. Violent clashes erupted on November 24, leaving four dead and several injured. The Congress delegation, led by Rai, intended to offer condolences, assess the situation, and call for peace. However, police restricted their movements, citing the extended ban on entry into Sambhal under Section 163 of the BNSS.

Rai and Congress leaders criticized the state government for its failure to address the situation and its attempts to prevent public representatives from visiting the affected area. The entry ban has been extended until December 10, despite initially being set to expire on November 30.