Sambhal mosque surveyed on court orders over plea claiming it as ancient temple site
Sambhal (UP) (PTI): A mosque in the district was surveyed on Tuesday on the orders of a court here after a petition claimed that the structure was originally the site of an ancient temple significant to the Hindu faith.
The central government, the Uttar Pradesh government, the Masjid Committee and the district magistrate (DM) of Sambhal have been made parties in the petition, Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is also the petitioner, said on Tuesday.
Sambhal DM Rajendra Pensia told reporters that according to the court order, the survey was done by the advocate commissioner during which both the parties were present.
"We were only providing security and protection. Today, the advocate commissioner has done the survey and he will file its report in the court.
"The survey proceedings have been completed for now. If it is required, court will decide," the DM said.
Earlier in the day, Jain claimed that Mughal emperor Babar partly demolished the temple in 1529.
"It is believed that Kalki avatar is to take place at Sambhal," Jain posted on X.
"Today the Hon'ble Civil Court Sambhal on my petition has directed a survey by advocate commissioner at the alleged Jama Masjid in Sambhal which was known as Hari Har Mandir," he said.
"The Hari Har temple in Sambhal, we all know, is a central part of our faith," Jain told reporters in Chandausi outside the District Court of Sambhal.
Vishnu Shankar Jain and his father Hari Shankar Jain have represented the Hindu side in many cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath dispute.
"This is an ASI-protected area. There can be no encroachment of any kind in the ASI-protected area. There are many signs and symbols there which are of Hindu temple," he said.
"Considering all these factors, the Honourable Civil Judge (Senior Division) of Sambhal has issued an order for an advocate commission to survey the site using video and photography, and submit its report to the court," Jain added.
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq objected to the developments.
"The Jama Masjid of Sambhal is historical and very old. The Supreme Court had given the order in 1991 that whatever religious places are there in whatever condition since 1947, they will remain at their places," he said.
Even after that, some people want to spoil the atmosphere of the country and the state, he said, adding that they are against such people.
"The (advocate) commission that came here have prepared their survey report. They cannot have any objection to even an inch of space. There was a mosque there, there is a mosque and there will be a mosque," the SP MP added.
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Mumbai family deaths: Rat poison ingredient zinc phosphide found in viscera, watermelon sample
Mumbai (PTI): Four members of a family in Pydhonie area of south Mumbai died last month due to rat poison, police officials said on Thursday.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in viscera (liver, kidney, spleen), stomach contents, bile, and abdominal fat samples of the deceased identified as Abdulla Dokadia (44), his wife Nasrin (35) and their daughters Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13), said Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Mundhe.
"The watermelon sample also tested positive for zinc phosphide, while all other food items were negative. The report will be studied in depth. We will consult forensic doctors. Further probe in the case is underway," the DCP said.
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Zinc phosphide is used primarily as a highly toxic acute rodenticide to control rats and mice.
"The forensic experts who examined the viscera of deceased Abdulla Dokadia, Nasrin (35), Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13) found traces of zinc phosphide. It is, however, unclear whether the rat poison was consumed accidentally (or on purpose). So far, we have found no strong reason why the whole family would take such an extreme step," another official said.
Further probe is being conducted by the JJ Marg police station, which has recorded statements of kin and neighbours, he added.
The Dokadia family, residents of Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road, had hosted a get-together of relatives on the night of April 25. At around 1 am, hours after the guests had left, Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and daughters Ayesha and Zaineb ate pieces of a watermelon.
They suffered severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea in the early hours of April 26 and were rushed to a local hospital before being referred to the government-run J J Hospital where all four died during treatment.
