Archive · 18 Nov 2025
UP Mosque Committee Members Arrested for Obstructing ASI Inspection
Two men who help manage a mosque in Uttar Pradesh got into trouble.
They are accused of stopping a government team from checking the mosque to do some important repairs.
The team wanted to look at the main part of the mosque, but the two men allegedly wouldn't let them and even tried to scare them.
This made the government team leave without finishing their job.
Now, the police have arrested these two men for getting in the way of the government workers and trying to intimidate them.
Two members of Shahi Jama Masjid management committee in Sambhal, UP arrested
Accused of obstructing ASI team during inspection for conservation work
Allegedly prevented officials from entering main dome area and attempted intimidation
ASI team abandoned assessment due to obstruction and disruption
Police registered case under serious charges, including obstruction of public servant and criminal intimidation
- Who
- Hafiz and Mohammad Qasim (mosque management committee members)
- What
- Allegedly obstructed ASI team during inspection for conservation work and attempted intimidation
- When
- Inspection on November 17; Arrests made on the same day
- Where
- Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Allegedly prevented ASI officials from entering main dome area and disrupted assessment
Mosque Committee Members
ASI Officials
Access to Dome Area
Mosque Committee Members
Hafiz and Mohammad Qasim allegedly stopped ASI officials from entering the main dome area of the monument.
ASI Officials
The ASI team was conducting an inspection for conservation work and needed access to assess the structure.
Nature of Interaction
Mosque Committee Members
Alleged summoning of individuals, obstruction, abusive language, and provocation of confrontation.
ASI Officials
A team led by Vinod Kumar Rawat was assessing the structure for conservation work.
- Location
- Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh
- Protected Status
- Centrally protected monument
- Agency Involved
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Meerut Circle
- Date of Inspection
- November 17
- Accused
- Hafiz and Mohammad Qasim (mosque committee members)
- Legal Sections Applied
- Obstruction of public servant, criminal intimidation, and other serious charges