New Delhi:

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has claimed that there is a ‘shivling’ – a cylindrical idol that represents the Hindu god Shiva – under the official residence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.

His remarks come against a backdrop of a raging controversy over the excavation of an ancient step well in Sambhal, the Uttar Pradesh district which witnessed deadly clashes over a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque last month.

Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Mr Yadav said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is getting excavation done at various places to “hide its failure” and to divert attention from the issues related to the public.

“We believe there is a ‘shivling’ under the chief minister’s residence too. Excavation should also be done there,” he said.

The former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh also alleged that the “houses of innocent people are being demolished illegally by bulldozers”.

“This is not development but destruction. There is no line of development in the hands of the chief minister, there is a line of destruction,” Mr Yadav added.

BJP’s Response To Akhilesh Yadav

Responding to Akhilesh Yadav’s charge, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi asked why he “has a problem” with digging in Sambhal.

“In 2013, he (Mr Yadav) used the entire state machinery to excavate 1,000 tonnes of gold. He is ready to excavate the gold, but has a problem with a ‘Shivling’. That’s why he is talking about digging the chief minister’s residence,” Mr Tripathi told the news agency PTI.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala also slammed the “shameless” Samajwadi Party and said it is “mocking ‘Shivling’ for scoring points with the vote bank”.

Excavation In Sambhal

The authorities in Sambhal district last week began the renovation and excavation of the ancient “Mrityu Kup” (well of death) at Kot Purvi.

According to locals, the well was abandoned several years ago and filled with debris, which will be cleared. They claim the well is not only a historic landmark but also a sacred site where devotees believe they can attain salvation by bathing.

The structure near the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid — where a court-ordered survey led to violence last month, leaving four people dead.

Internet services were suspended in the district in the wake of the violence.

The mosque was surveyed on the orders of a local court following a petition that claimed that a Harihar temple stood at the site previously.

Lucknow:

As authorities reopened a temple in Sambhal locked since 1978 following communal riots, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said the temple did not reappear overnight and represents “our enduring heritage and the truth of our history”.

Speaking at a private event on Kumbh, the chief minister highlighted the tragic incidents that took place 46 years ago in Sambhal where innocent people lost their lives to “barbaric violence”, and questioned, “Why have perpetrators of the massacre not been brought to justice even after decades?” He criticised those who seek to “suppress the truth and tarnish cultural events” like the Kumbh, asserting that voices of truth often face threats and efforts to silence them.

The chief minister spoke about the temple in Sambhal that was unlocked recently after decades, following an anti-encroachment drive by the local administration, according to an official statement.

He emphasised the historic significance of the temple, which included an ancient idol of Bajrang Bali and a Jyotirlinga. “This temple did not reappear overnight. It represents our enduring heritage and the truth of our history,” he said.

The CM announced that while 40 crore devotees are expected to attend the 45-day Prayagraj Mahakumbh (from January 13 to February 26), arrangements are being made to accommodate 100 crore people.

On January 29, during the main Muhurta of Mauni Amavasya, an estimated six crore devotees will take a holy dip, but preparations are being done to cater to 10 crore devotees, he said.

The CM highlighted the transformation of the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh, stating that it redefined expectations.

“Anyone who witnessed the Kumbh of 2019 would have seen the out-of-the-box efforts that made it clean, safe, and well-organized. What was once associated with dirt, chaos, stampedes, and insecurity became a divine and grand event,” he said.

Adityanath also took a swipe at the Congress and opposition parties for claiming “exclusive ownership” of India’s legacy. “Some people wander around with a self-proclaimed contract of representing India and treat Discovery of India as if it were the oldest book of this country,” he remarked, without naming any party.

He said the historic Supreme Court verdict on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi delivered on November 9, 2019, resolved a decades-long dispute. Yet, he pointed out, some individuals continue to threaten the judges who delivered the decision.

The chief minister accused opposition leaders of hypocrisy in the name of the Constitution, citing their proposed no-confidence motion against the Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

“The Chairman emphasised his duty to ensure the House functions and public issues are discussed. Yet, these people accused him of bias and moved a no-confidence motion to silence him,” he said.

He also criticised attempts to question institutions like the Election Commission. “These individuals even bring impeachment motions in the Upper House, showing their intention to intimidate anyone who speaks the truth or stands for India’s heritage,” CM Yogi concluded.

Chief Minister Adityanath emphasised that the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been pivotal in driving development in the region.

He pointed out that those, who ruled for decades without delivering meaningful progress, are now criticising the present government.

“They have a problem with the spirituality and development of Kashi and Ayodhya. Their frustration stems from their failure and our success. We must understand their mentality,” he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Sambhal:

A 25-year-old man shot at a woman undergraduate student before turning the gun on himself in the Asmoli area of this Uttar Pradesh district, police said on Saturday.

The injured student (18) is undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi said, “One Gaurav from Amroha called the woman — a BSc student — and shot at her. He then fatally shot himself with the same gun at the spot.” “The motive behind the attack is under investigation,” he added.

The teen’s mother said the student told her that she would return home by 1 pm. “I just found out that someone shot at her.” A forensic team was called to examine the crime scene. A pistol and two empty bullet casings were recovered, the police said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Sambhal:

A 15-member delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP) was barred from entering Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal today, prompting a sharp response from party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The team, tasked with investigating recent violence at the Shahi Jama Masjid, was formed under the leadership of UP state assembly LoP Mata Prasad Pandey. 

The Sambhal district administration issued a directive banning the entry of outsiders until December 10. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya stated, “No outsider, any social organisation or any public representative can enter into the borders of the district without seeking the permission of the competent authority till December 10.”

This measure came against the backdrop of violent clashes in Sambhal on November 24, following a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Protesters opposing the survey clashed with security forces, leading to stone pelting, arson, and the deaths of several individuals. 

READ | 16th Century Mosque, A City On Fire: Sambhal Violence Explained

Reacting strongly to the situation, Akhilesh Yadav took to social media to condemn the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government. Mr Yadav accused the government of administrative failure and alleged that the BJP was attempting to shield its negligence.

“Imposing a ban is a failure of the BJP government’s governance, administration and government management. If the government had imposed such a ban earlier on those who dreamed of causing riots and made people raise frenzied slogans, the atmosphere of harmony and peace in Sambhal would not have been spoiled,” Mr Yadav wrote.

प्रतिबंध लगाना भाजपा सरकार के शासन, प्रशासन और सरकारी प्रबंधन की नाकामी है। ऐसा प्रतिबंध अगर सरकार उन पर पहले ही लगा देती, जिन्होंने दंगा-फ़साद करवाने का सपना देखा और उन्मादी नारे लगवाए तो संभल में सौहार्द-शांति का वातावरण नहीं बिगड़ता।

भाजपा जैसे पूरी की पूरी कैबिनेट एक साथ… pic.twitter.com/7ouboVnQu4

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 30, 2024

He also demanded the suspension of the entire administrative machinery in Sambhal for “negligence and conspiracy.”

Mata Prasad Pandey claimed that both the Home Secretary Sanjay Prasad and Sambhal District Magistrate contacted him, requesting that he postpone the trip.

“They (administration) should have given me a notice as per the rules that I cannot go there, but no written notice was given. They only talk on the telephone. They deployed the police. The Justice Commission is going there, media people are going there, will there be any unrest if we go there? This government is deliberately stopping us to hide all its work,” Mr Pandey said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

The SP delegation initially planned to visit Moradabad before heading to Sambhal, intending to meet victims of the violence and their families. However, these plans were derailed as police refused to allow them to leave Mr Pandey’s residence.

Samajwadi Party state president Shyam Lal Pal echoed Mr Pandey’s claims, stating that the delegation intended to compile a detailed report on the incident for submission to party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The team included high-profile members such as Legislative Council leader Lal Bihari Yadav, MPs Ziaur Rahman Barq, Harendra Malik, and others.

Ziaur Rahman Barq faces charges related to the violence, accused of committing “provocative acts.” Despite this, the Samajwadi leadership maintained that their visit was essential for ensuring transparency and accountability.

Congress state president Ajay Rai has also announced plans for a party delegation to visit the district on December 2.

Amidst the political fallout, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has formed a three-member judicial commission to investigate the violence. Retired Justice Devendra Kumar Arora of the Allahabad High Court will lead the probe.

Lucknow:

In a bid to maintain peace and order in the district, the Sambhal district administration on Saturday prohibited the entry of outsiders till December 10.

“No outsider, any social organisation or any public representative can enter into the borders of the district without seeking the permission of the competent authority till December 10,” Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya in a statement issued here.

The move assumes significance as it came on a day when a 15-member delegation of the Samajwadi Party (SP) was to visit Sambhal to gather information about the violence that broke out after a survey in the Shahi Jama Masjid complex.

Leader of Opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey, who was to lead the 15-member SP delegation, told reporters outside his residence in Lucknow that Home Secretary Sanjay Prasad had called him up and requested him to not visit Sambhal.

“The DM Sambhal had also called me up telling me that the ban on entry of outsiders has been extended till December 10. So I will now visit the party office and discuss the issue before deciding on our next action,” said Pandey.

“The government perhaps wanted to prevent me to hide its wrongs in Sambhal as our visit would have exposed its several mistakes,” he added.

Heavy security was deployed outside Pandey’s residence since Friday night.

SP state president Shyam Lal Pal had said earlier on Friday that a party delegation will go to Sambhal on Saturday on the instructions of party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

The team will submit the report to the party chief after taking detailed information about the violence that took place there, he said.

A note shared earlier on ‘X’ by the SP state president had said that the delegation includes Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Lal Bihari Yadav, SP state president Shyamlal Pal, MPs Ziaur Rahman Barq, Harendra Malik, Ruchi Veera, Iqra Hasan and Neeraj Maurya.

Ziaur Rahman Barq has been booked in connection with the November 24 violence for allegedly committing “provocative acts”.

MLAs Kamal Akhtar, Ravidas Mehrotra, Nawab Iqbal Mahmood and Pinky Singh Yadav will also be part of the delegation, the note said.

The Samajwadi Party had earlier postponed the proposed visit of its delegation after getting assurance from the Director General of Police of a fair investigation into the violence.

Pandey had said in a press conference last Tuesday: “I was supposed to leave for Sambhal at 10 am today, but in the meantime I spoke to the Director General of Police. We told him that our people are being framed, even FIRs have been lodged against those who were not present there.” Pandey said the DGP assured him of a fair investigation and asked them to visit Sambhal after three days.

Meanwhile, Congress state president Ajay Rai told PTI that a party delegation will go there on December 2.

The situation in Sambhal has been tense since the first survey of the city’s Jama Masjid was conducted on November 19 on the orders of a local court.

The petitioner has claimed that Jama Masjid stands on a previous Harihar temple.

Violence erupted earlier on November 24 as the protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with security personnel, leading to stone pelting and arson.

Four people died and several others, including policemen, were injured in the violence.

The police have denied firing at the protesters opposing the survey.

The Sambhal district administration has imposed prohibitory orders in the district.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

A lower court’s order of a survey at the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid of Sambhal that triggered massive violence in which four people died and many were injured, has been challenged in the Supreme Court. The Masjid Committee has sought an immediate stay on the order and demanded an early hearing from Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna. 

The petitioners have claimed that this is an “extraordinary case”, so the court should take “extraordinary steps”. A bench led by the Chief Justice of India will hear the case tomorrow. 

In response to a petition that claimed that the mosque stands on a temple dedicated to Kalki, the court had ordered a survey on November 19. As the district administration and police carried out the survey, there was criticism from several quarters, including the Jama Masjid management committee.

The situation snowballed on November 24 as a second survey by the Archaeological Survey of India was scheduled. Locals, fearing a demolition of the mosque, gathered to protest and in the violence that followed, four people died and many were injured.

In their petition, the mosque committee has said the civil court had passed one-sided orders and directed survey to be conducted on the same day with undue haste. It did not call for response from the affected parties — the committee and the state government — or conduct any judicial proceedings. 

The manner in which survey was ordered in this case and in some other cases will have an immediate impact in a number of cases across the country that have been filed recently concerning places of worship. Such orders will have a tendency to inflame communal passions, cause law and order problems and damage the secular fabric of the country, the petition contended. 

The Muslim community has strongly opposed the survey, pointing to the Places of Worship Act, 1991. The law maintains that barring Ayodhya, status quo as on August 15, 1947, will have to be maintained for religious structures across the country. 

But in 2023, the Supreme Court had allowed a survey at Varanasi’s Gyanvapi Mosque, with then Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud arguing that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 does not debar ascertainment of the religious character of a place of worship. 

The violence of November 24 in Sambhal and the subsequent decision of a court to hear a similar claim about the Ajmer Dragah has sparked a huge political row which resonated inside parliament and out. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned shortly after they convened today. In the Lok Sabha, Opposition members gathered at the well of the House, raising slogans demanding action against the perpetrators of the Sambhal violence.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, claiming that the violence at Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was the direct result of this judgment, said, “Thanks to a former Chief Justice of India a Pandora’s box has been opened sparking a contentious debate about minority religious places”.

“Despite a Supreme Court ruling that the status quo should be maintained as it existed in 1947, his judgement has paved the way for surveys of these sites potentially leading to increased tension between Hindus and Muslims,” the PDP chief added, citing the top court’s remarks when a bench had decided that a Ram temple can be built in Ayodhya. 

Ziaur Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, condemned the move as an attempt to disrupt communal harmony. 

Earlier today, the Uttar Pradesh Police held a flag march in Sambhal ahead of Friday prayers.

Sambhal, UP:

A father of four, who was the sole earning member of the family, was out to buy groceries when a bullet ripped into him during the violence that broke out during the survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal over the weekend. His family now says they fear for their lives as well. 

“He was going to take refined oil and ‘maida,’ when the violence broke out. He did not even know there was tension in the area. The police killed him,” Tasleem, brother of Naeem, told NDTV. Police officials have dismissed the claim.

Naeem (35) was a resident of Kot Garvi area and ran a sweetshop. He is survived by two sons and two daughters.

“We are very worried, no action has been taken till now, we ourselves are not safe here,” Naeem’s brother, wearing a cap and seated in a plastic chair, added.

Superintendent of Police (Sambhal) Krishnan Bishnoi said around 20-22 police personnel were injured in the violence.

“Police only used pellet guns. The autopsy report of the three dead says that they died because of gunshot wounds from a .315 bore firearm,” Mr Bishnoi said. 

Mohammed Ayan, 19, was also among three other people killed in the clashes.

“My mother woke him up and sent him to work at the hotel. When chaos erupted at the mosque, he was nearby. When he ran, a bullet pierced through his chest. I carried him,” Ayan’s brother, Kamil, told NDTV.

“Even after being shot, he was with me for 11 hours and he told me that the cops were firing,” said Kamil.

The brother also claimed that Ayan’s treatment was delayed at the hospital. 

“Even when I took my brother to the hospital, they first asked for Rs 500 and then gave him 2 injections. He was bleeding a lot. I said please help him, but people in the hospital said police action would be taken first,” he claimed.

The first survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was undertaken on November 19. A second survey four days later, which included taking photos and video of the mosque’s features, triggered the violence.

On Sunday, a large group of people gathered near the 17th-century mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team resumed its work. They then clashed with security personnel, torched vehicles, and threw stones.

Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq, accused of inciting violence during the mosque survey, has denied the allegations. Mr Barq stated that the charges against him were baseless, asserting that he was in Bengaluru attending a meeting of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board at the time of the violence.

Sambhal:

At least 25 people were arrested and seven cases registered against 400 people after four persons were killed in violence over the survey of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday. Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Ziaur Rahman Barq, and his party colleague Iqbal Mahmood’s son Nawab Suhail Iqbal, are among those who have been charged, officials said.

Sambhal witnessed deadly clashes between the locals and the police during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid on Sunday morning. The mosque is at the centre of a contentious legal battle over claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple.

The protesters also set some vehicles on fire and threw stones at the police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob.

ALSO READ | Gandhis Slam UP Government Over Sambhal Clashes, Flag It To Supreme Court

About 20 police personnel were also injured and a constable, who suffered an injury to the head, is said to be critical.

“Due to Barq’s statement earlier, the situation became worse here,” Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar told a press conference.

He said they were identifying the protestors using drone footage and that the accused would be charged under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

Speaking to NDTV, Mr Barq held the police responsible for the violence and called it a “part of a conspiracy”.

“A murder case should be registered against them (police personnel) and action should be taken because they fired from private arms and not government arms,” he said.

“Muslims were targeted and killed as part of a conspiracy,” the SP leader added.

His party chief Akhilesh Yadav also alleged that the stone pelting incident in Sambhal was a “riot done by the government”.

“Our MP Zia ur Rahman was not even in Sambhal during the incident and despite that, a case was registered against him. From all the videos we have, we know it was a riot by the government,” Mr Yadav, whose party has traditionally enjoyed strong support in Sambhal, told reporters outside Parliament.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Sambhal stone pelting incident, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav says “Our MP Zia ur Rahman was not even in Sambhal and despite that an FIR was lodged against him…This is a riot done by the government…Right after the order was passed by the Court, police… pic.twitter.com/qwPGtpho1m

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2024

Mr Yadav, who is a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj, had on Sunday said the BJP government and the administration orchestrated the violence “to divert attention from electoral malpractice”.

His charge came after the BJP and its ally RLD secured seven of the nine seats in the recently held by-election for nine Uttar Pradesh Assembly constituencies.

Internet Snapped, Schools Shut In Sambhal

Internet services have been suspended in Sambhal for 24 hours and schools shut on Monday for all students up to Class 12.

Officials also barred any outsider, social organization or public representative from entering Sambhal without the orders of the authorities till November 30.

Sambhal has been tense since last Tuesday when the Jama Masjid was surveyed on a local court’s orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple stood at the site.

The officials said the survey could not be completed on Tuesday and was planned for Sunday morning to avoid interference with prayers that are usually held in the afternoon.

A lawyer for the Hindu side claimed that the temple that once stood at the site was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529.

ALSO READ | 16th Century Mosque, A City On Fire: Sambhal Violence Explained

Supporters of the survey argue that it is a necessary step in uncovering historical truths, while critics view it as a provocation that violates the sanctity of religious places as upheld by the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is a petitioner in the case, said the survey team conducted a detailed examination of the site, supported by videography and photography as per the court’s directives on Sunday. The survey report is scheduled to be submitted by November 29.

Sambhal:

Internet services have been suspended and schools shut after four people were killed in violence over the survey of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday.

Chaos erupted in Sambhal Sunday morning when a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid led to violent clashes between the locals and the police. The mosque is at the centre of a contentious legal battle over claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple.

The protesters also set some vehicles on fire and threw stones at the police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob.

In the chaos, about 20 police personnel were also injured. A constable, who suffered an injury to the head, is said to be critical.

Twenty-one people, including two women, have been detained and a probe has been launched, an official said, adding that those accused in the violence would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

“The reason for the death of two of them is clear — bullet wounds from countrymade pistols. The reason for the death of the third person is not clear, but it will be after the post-mortem examination,” District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI.

Internet services have been suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday on November 25 for all students up to Class 12.

Officials have also issued a notification prohibiting any outsider, social organization or public representative from entering Sambhal without the orders of the authorities.

The Row Over Mosque Survey In Sambhal

Sambhal has been tense since last Tuesday when the Jama Masjid was surveyed on a local court’s orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple stood at the site. The officials said the survey could not be completed on Tuesday and was planned for Sunday morning to avoid interference with prayers that are usually held in the afternoon.

A lawyer for the Hindu side claimed that the temple that once stood at the site was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529.

Supporters of the survey argue that it is a necessary step in uncovering historical truths, while critics view it as a provocation that violates the sanctity of religious places as upheld by the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

Despite the violence, officials completed the survey as planned. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is a petitioner in the case, said the survey team conducted a detailed examination of the site, supported by videography and photography as per the court’s directives. The survey report is scheduled to be submitted by November 29.

Mr Jain and his father Hari Shankar Jain have earlier represented the Hindu side in many cases related to places of worship, including the Varanasi’s Gyanvapi Mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute.

Opposition On Mosque Survey In Sambhal

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav said the Supreme Court should “immediately” take cognizance of the “conspiracy to spread tension in the name of survey”.

“A case of disturbing peace and harmony should be registered against those who took sloganeers with them with the aim of disturbing social harmony and the Bar Association should also take disciplinary and punitive action against them. There was no hope from the UP government and administration, nor is there any now,” he posted in Hindi on X, formerly Twitter.

सर्वे के नाम पर तनाव फैलाने की साज़िश का ‘सर्वोच्च न्यायालय’ तुरंत संज्ञान ले और जो अपने साथ सामाजिक सद्भाव बिगाड़ने के उद्देश्य से नारेबाज़ों को ले गये, उनके ख़िलाफ़ शांति और सौहार्द बिगाड़ने का मुक़दमा दर्ज हो और उनके ख़िलाफ़ ‘बार एसोसिएशन’ भी अनुशासनात्मक और दंडात्मक कार्रवाई… pic.twitter.com/9Fj30K4aLm

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 24, 2024

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai said the incidents of violence were “increasing day by day” in the state under the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government.

The BJP, however, hit back and said that those who do not agree with judicial orders should take legal recourse.

“Nobody has any right to break the law. If a court has passed an order, it will be implemented. The judicial process is available for those who want the order amended,” party spokesperson Nalin Kohli said.

Sambhal:

Four members of a family were killed and five were injured when a speeding pickup truck ran over them here on Monday morning, officials said.

The injured, two of them in serious condition, were sent to Aligarh for treatment, while the driver of the vehicle was detained, they said. The driver of the pickup truck also received injuries in the accident.

Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar said around 6 am, some people from Bhopatpur village were sitting on the side of the road when an oncoming vehicle from Gawa hit them at high speed, due to which four people died on the spot.

Those killed have been identified as Liladhar (60), Dharamal (40), Ompal (32), and Puran Singh (45), he said.

The injured were immediately taken to the community health centre in Rajpura, from where they were sent to Aligarh for medical treatment, police said.

The SP said all nine persons involved in the accident were from the same family. The driver of the pickup truck was also injured in the incident, he said.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination and further action is being taken, the SP said.

District Magistrate of Sambhal Rajendra Singh Pensia, who visited the accident site, said the condition of two injured persons is serious.

The DM said the driver may have felt sleepy, which possibly caused the accident. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)