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On Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of dharma, these stones were repurposed to lay the foundation of Sambhal's most symbolic creation yet - the hi-tech 'Satyavrat' police outpost. Once used to disrupt peace, the very stones that scarred Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district will now safeguard it. On Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of dharma, these stones were repurposed to lay the foundation of Sambhal’s most symbolic creation yet – the hi-tech ‘Satyavrat’ police outpost.
On November 24, 2024, communal tension erupted in Sambhal during a survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to protests and stone-pelting, injuring many and disrupting public order. In the aftermath, local residents called for a permanent police presence, especially near the masjid, a central point in the town’s geography and communal balance. The administration responded promptly by inspecting a vacant field opposite the Jama Masjid.
The field was cleared, and construction of a new outpost began swiftly. Authorities completed the outpost in just under 100 days, reflecting state resolve and efficiency. “The stones that were pelted to create violence will no longer fly.
They now stand fixed in cement, upholding the law," said Sambhal SP Kuldeep Bishnoi at the inauguration ceremony. “Satyavrat is not just a name. It is a vow to truth, security, and justice," he added.
Before the formal opening, the newly built outpost became a gathering spot for curious and proud locals. Hundreds arrived throughout the day to take selfies with the large granite plaque bearing the name Satyavrat Police Outpost, which also includes an iconic verse from the Bhagavad Gita – “Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati Bharata..
." – a reminder of the eternal promise that righteousness shall always return when disorder prevails. A Centre of Surveillance and Command Officials emphasised that the outpost is more than symbolic; it is the backbone of the ‘Safe City Sambhal’ project.
According to SP Bishnoi, the outpost will function as a full police station with nearly 100 police personnel deployed round-the-clock. “This is the district’s first hi-tech police outpost, and from here, the entire city’s CCTV network will be monitored. It’s not just an outpost – it’s our new control room," he added.
He noted that it would serve as a prominent watchtower – the tallest structure in the town – to give security personnel clear visibility across a wide area, particularly during religious gatherings, protests, or emergencies. Inspired by the Constitution, Not by Religion District Magistrate Rakesh Pensiya emphasised that the design and placement of the outpost are rooted in constitutional values, not religious sentiments. “Sambhal has a mixed population.
This outpost stands at a midpoint – not to divide, but to connect and protect. Its architecture draws from the original handwritten Constitution of India, which includes imagery such as Lord Ram at the beginning of the chapter on Fundamental Rights. We must not forget, the Constitution is inclusive," he said.
This careful messaging reflects the district administration’s understanding of Sambhal’s sensitive communal fabric and the need to balance security with symbolism, and faith with function. Public Response: “We Needed This" Local residents have largely welcomed the development. For many, it represents a long-overdue promise kept.
“We’ve been asking for a police outpost here for years. After the riots, we were scared. Now we feel seen, protected, and heard," said Nasir Qureshi, a trader whose shop lies near the Jama Masjid.
Another resident, Anjali Saini, a school teacher, noted the significance of Ram Navami as the day of the inauguration: “It’s poetic. Lord Ram stood for justice. So does this police outpost.
This is a temple of justice, built on the very stones that once tried to tear us apart." A Temple Reopens, A Belief Rekindled In another development that added spiritual significance to the day, a temple in Khaggu Sarai – closed for 46 years – was reopened for worship on Ram Navami. Locals called it a miracle, while priests held special aartis, attracting hundreds.
Sambhal, according to Hindu belief, is regarded as the prophesied birthplace of Vishnu’s tenth avatar – Kalki, who is said to arrive in times of extreme adharma (chaos). While myth continues to shape the soul of the city, it is civic reform, constitutional order, and responsive governance that are shaping its streets today..
