Hindu Population Declined Significantly In UP’s Sambhal Due To Communal Riots: Probe Panel Report

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 13:54 IST

The Uttar Pradesh government ordered the probe after violent clashes in Sambhal followed a court-mandated survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid in November last year

A report of approximately 450 pages has been submitted to CM Yogi Adityanath regarding the violence in Sambhal. (Photo: ANI)

A judicial committee, which was set up to probe riots in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, found that the population of Hindus has significantly declined in the town due to communal riots.

The report, which was submitted to UP CM Yogi Adityanath, noted that the population of Hindus is now only 15 to 20 per cent in Sambhal from 45 per cent in 1947, sources said. The 450-page report has not been made public yet.

The Uttar Pradesh government ordered the probe after violent clashes in Sambhal followed a court-mandated survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid in November last year.

What The Report Said

Historically, Sambhal has witnessed constant clashes between Pathans and Turks, turning the town into a communal flashpoint. Since 1947, sources have claimed that Hindus have been the “primary victims” in every communal riot. In the most recent unrest as well, there was allegedly a plan to target Hindus, but the presence of police in Hindu-majority areas prevented large-scale casualties.

The report also mentioned that rioters were allegedly brought in from outside with the intention of inciting violence. During the clashes, Turks and Pathans reportedly attacked each other, driven by old rivalries.

A fresh dispute has reportedly emerged surrounding the Harihar Temple, which is again being linked to Mughal emperor Babar-era claims, reviving old tensions.

Sources state that only around 15% Hindus remain in Sambhal today, a sharp decline from 45% at the time of Independence, when Hindus made up nearly half of the Sambhal municipal population.

In recent years, Sambhal has also emerged as a hub for various terrorist organisations. Terror groups like Al-Qaeda and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen are reported to have established networks in the region, sources said while giving details on the report.

Sambhal Population

At the time of Independence, the Sambhal Municipal area had a population comprising 55% Muslims and 45% Hindus. The demographic has significantly shifted, with approximately 85% Muslims and only around 20% Hindus residing in the region.

Since 1947, Sambhal has witnessed a series of communal riots in the years 1947, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1962, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2001, and 2019 — totalling 15 major riots since Independence.

About the Author

Saurabh Verma

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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