Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are set to visit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh today, a city that recently witnessed violent clashes over a disputed mosque survey. With heightened tensions in the region, authorities have implemented strict security measures along the Gandhis' route from Delhi and in Sambhal.

Authorities Move to Block Entry

The Sambhal District Magistrate has requested officers in neighboring districts, including Bulandshahr, Amroha, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar, to prevent the Congress leaders from entering the area. Barricades have been set up at multiple locations, and vehicle inspections are underway on the Delhi-Sambhal route. The restrictions have caused significant traffic disruptions, especially on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, with jams reported near the Ghazipur border.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which prohibits gatherings of five or more people, has been imposed in Sambhal, barring outsiders from entering the district until December 10. The measures were taken after violence erupted over a petition claiming that the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid was built on the site of a Harihar temple.

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar confirmed the restrictions, stating, “No outsider is allowed in Sambhal. If they attempt to enter, they will be served a notice.”

Rahul Gandhi's Schedule and Congress Criticism

Rahul Gandhi is expected to leave for Sambhal at 10 a.m., reach by 1 p.m., and return to Delhi by 3:30 p.m. He and Priyanka Gandhi plan to meet with the families of four protesters who died during the November 24 violence. Five Congress MPs from Uttar Pradesh will accompany them.

Congress leaders have strongly criticized the administration’s attempts to block the visit. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajai Rai called the move a “murder of democracy,” while former state Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu argued that it is Rahul Gandhi’s right as Leader of Opposition to assess the situation on the ground. “If the LoP cannot visit, how can he raise the issue in Parliament? Why is the government acting like a dictatorship?” Lallu questioned.

Pakistani-Made Cartridges Found in Sambhal

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police revealed a startling discovery during their investigation into the violence. Forensic experts recovered six empty cartridges bearing markings from Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) and FN Star, indicating they were made in Pakistan.

Sambhal SP Krishan Kumar described the findings as a "very serious matter" and confirmed that the anti-terrorism agency NIA will be brought in to assist with the investigation. “These shells were buried at the site of the November 24 violence. We are seeking help from other agencies, including the NIA, to uncover the origins and implications of this discovery,” he stated.

Background of Violence

The unrest in Sambhal erupted after a petition questioned the origins of the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to a survey of the site. Clashes broke out during protests, leaving four dead. The presence of Pakistani-made cartridges has added a new dimension to the case, intensifying calls for a thorough investigation.

As the Gandhis proceed with their visit, the region remains tense, with political and security concerns at the forefront.