The renovation work at Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, including painting and whitewashing, was completed on Friday, as per the directive from the Allahabad High Court. The work, which began earlier this week, also includes new lighting installations.
Masood Farooqui, the secretary of the mosque committee, said, “The painting and whitewashing work is complete, and we expect the lighting work to be finished today. The high court had given a week’s deadline, and we are confident that the work will be completed on time.”
The whitewashing was conducted under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and began on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The mosque management had sought permission for additional lighting, decorative installations, and whitewashing, which were part of the renovations. This work comes amid a legal dispute over the mosque’s history, with claims that it was built over an ancient Hindu temple.
The issue surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid escalated following a local court survey in November 2024, which led to violent clashes on November 24. Protesters gathered near the mosque, clashing with U.P. police, which resulted in stone-pelting and alleged gunfire. The violence led to the death of five people and left several others injured. The U.P. police denied using excessive force during the incident, claiming it was necessary to maintain control.
The Supreme Court later intervened, instructing the Sambhal trial court to halt the survey proceedings. As of now, over 50 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.
