Hindu Mahasabha Controversy: Havan at SDM Office Amid Shahi Jama Masjid Tensions

Members of the Hindu Mahasabha held a 'havan' at the Sambhal SDM office after being denied permission to offer prayers at Shahi Jama Masjid. The city remains tense with enhanced security, including deployment of security forces, following previous communal riots related to the site.

A group claiming to be from the Hindu Mahasabha conducted a 'havan' at the Sambhal sub-divisional magistrate's office after being denied permission for prayers at Shahi Jama Masjid.

The city of Sambhal is on heightened alert after last year's riots, sparked by a survey of Shahi Jama Masjid. In preparation for Holi and the second Friday of Ramzan, seven companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary have been deployed.

The Hindu Mahasabha sought access to the mosque, asserting it as a Hindu temple, but was denied by SDM Vandana Mishra as the matter is under court consideration. Defying the restriction, they performed their ritual outside the official's office.