Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka stopped on way to violence-hit Sambhal
What's the story
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were stopped at the Ghazipur border on Wednesday while they were heading to Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.
The district is currently under prohibitory orders after violence erupted during a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24.
The Congress delegation headed to Sambhal comprised the Gandhi siblings and five other MPs from Uttar Pradesh.
Twitter Post
Police not allowing us: Gandhi
#WATCH | At the Ghazipur border, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says "We are trying to go to Sambhal, the police is refusing, they are not allowing us. As LoP, it is my right to go, but they are stopping me. I am ready to go alone, I am ready to go with the police, but they did not… pic.twitter.com/iFWMQRKmk3
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024
Order extension
Prohibitory orders extended in Sambhal due to tensions
The prohibitory orders, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibit entry into Sambhal till December 10.
However, in light of the prevailing tensions, the measures have been extended till December 31.
Ahead of the Congress leaders' visit, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia had asked officials of neighboring districts to stop the entry.
Survey violence
Violence erupted during court-ordered mosque survey
The violence in Sambhal erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
A petition had claimed that this site previously housed a Harihar temple.
After the incident, a forensic team found empty cartridges marked "made in Pakistan" and "made in USA" from the scene.
Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Vishnoi had called these findings "very serious."