At least three Muslim youth have lost their lives after violent clashes broke out between protesters and police during a survey of the Shahi Jamia Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

The deceased; Bilal Ansar, Nadeem Ahmed and Nadeem Ghazi were shot by police attempting to disperse protesters opposing the survey.

The incident comes after a court order on Tuesday to survey the mosque, based on a petition alleging that the mosque was constructed over the remains of a temple.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the violence over the survey of the mosque was orchestrated by the BJP to divert attention from electoral malpractice.