A recently submitted probe report to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has revealed a significant decline in the Hindu population in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, attributing the shift to communal riots and appeasement policies. The 450-page report, compiled by a three-member panel, delves into the details of the November 2024 Sambhal violence and examines previous riots that have occurred in the city.

The report highlights a major demographic shift in Sambhal. During independence, the Hindu community constituted 45% of the population, but has since decreased to 15%. Simultaneously, the Muslim population has increased to 85%. The probe suggests that riots were aimed at harming Hindus, with rioters allegedly brought in from outside the area.

The investigation was initiated following the violence on November 24, 2024, which erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid by the Archaeological Survey of India. The violence resulted in four deaths and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. As tensions escalated, police used force and opened fire on protesters. In the aftermath, 12 FIRs were filed, and 80 arrests were made for allegedly pelting stones at police. The chargesheet identified 159 accused individuals and indicated that weapons recovered from the scene were manufactured in the United Kingdom, USA, and Germany.

The report also touches upon the 1978 riots in Sambhal, which claimed 184 lives. This event is considered a major reason for the migration of Hindus from the area. Following these riots, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a fresh probe into the 1978 riots.

The probe report also claims that Sambhal has become a "terror hub" with active links to Al-Qaeda and HUL, along with flourishing arms and narcotics gangs.

In light of these findings, the report suggests that riots and appeasement policies have altered Sambhal's demography. The report also mentions an ongoing dispute over the Harihar temple. Evidence of the historical existence of the Harihar temple has been found. Additionally, discoveries of ancient temples, including Radha Krishna and Banke Bihari temples, and related artifacts like wells, further emphasize the area's Hindu heritage.

The three-member panel included retired Justice Devendra Kumar Arora of Allahabad High Court, retired IAS Amit Mohan, and retired IPS Arvind Kumar Jain. The report includes details about the Shahi Jama Masjid and Harihar Temple.

While the report points to a decline in the Hindu population, it's important to note that according to the 2011 census, approximately 22% of Sambhal's population identified as Hindu, while 77.67% identified as Muslim.