ASI team visits Sambhal Jama Masjid after court orders whitewashing

An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team on March 13 carried out measurements and assessments ahead of the planned whitewashing and renovation work of the Shahi Jama Masjid.

The move comes a day after the Allahabad High Court directed the ASI to undertake and complete whitewashing of the Jama Masjid within one week.

Zafar Ali, president of the Shahi Jama Masjid committee, told reporters that the ASI team from Meerut was carrying out surveys to determine the scope of work and prepare an estimate.

The mosque committee will oversee the painting work under the ASI's protection and guidelines.

Riots erupted in Sambhal on November 24 last year amid protests by locals during a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid following claims that the mosque was built over the ruins of a Hindu temple allegedly destroyed during the Mughal era.

The protest escalated into violent clashes between local residents and the police.

Authorities responded with tear gas and crowd-control measures to contain the situation. The violence resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries.