Mob Vandalises Tomb in UP’s Fatehpur, Claims it Was Built Over a Temple

On Monday, members associated with a Hindu organisation vandalised a tomb in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, claiming that it was built on a temple. The district administration has deployed large numbers of police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel in the area and set up barricades around the disputed site to stop any further unrest.

The controversy centres around a structure in Abu Nagar, Rediya locality of Sadar tehsil. Government records show it as Maqbara Mangi, officially registered under Khasra number 753 and marked as national property. 

Members of the Math Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti and other Hindu groups, including the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), declared it to be a temple dedicated to Thakurji and Lord Shiva and claim it is over a thousand years old.

BJP Leader’s Claim and Call for Worship

The matter intensified after BJP district president Mukhlal Pal, a key figure in the movement, stated that the tomb of Nawab Abdus Samad in Sadar tehsil was actually a temple that had been altered over time. 

He claimed that the site was first dedicated to Thakurji and Lord Shiva, citing lotus carvings and a trident within the structure as evidence. Following his remarks, members of a Hindu group entered the premises and damaged parts of the area outside the mausoleum. Reports say the group intends to hold a pooja at the site, raising tensions further.

Pal declared, “Our temple was turned into a mosque. We Sanatan Hindus will not accept this. There are clear signs like lotus flowers and tridents. On August 11, we will perform prayers here at any cost.” He urged followers to gather at Puri Thakur Dak Bungalow at 9 a.m. before marching to the disputed spot. Pal also warned that the government would be held responsible if they were stopped from worshipping. He added, “We believe in peace, but if necessary, we are ready to defend our religion.

Bajrang Dal’s Fatehpur district co-convenor, Dharmendra Singh, supported the stance, declaring, “We will conduct prayers here at noon, and the administration will not be able to stop us.

VHP Joins the Dispute

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) state vice president Virendra Pandey asserted that the location is a temple dedicated to Lord Bholenath and Shri Krishna. He stated, “This is not a mausoleum. It has religious symbols, a Parikrama route, and a temple well. We want it cleaned ahead of Janmashtami on August 16. We told the administration ten days ago, but they are not taking action.” He called the site a centre of faith for Hindus and vowed to take it back.

In contrast, Mo Naseem, national secretary of the National Ulama Council, condemned the incident, calling it an attack on history and community harmony. “This is a centuries-old tomb with graves inside, recorded as such in official documents. 

Will we now start searching for temples beneath every mosque and tomb? Naseem asked. He warned that if the planned August 11 programme was not stopped, the Ulama Council would protest. Naseem also criticised the administration for only listening to one side and allowing tensions to be stirred under the name of religion.

Administration’s Response and Security Measures

Authorities have put strict security measures in place. Barricades now surround the site, and police are patrolling to keep the peace. Avinash Pandey, junior engineer of the Nagar Palika Parishad, said the barricades were ordered by the district officer to block entry into the disputed area. Authorities state that the site is officially listed as a national property tomb and affirm that they are monitoring the situation closely to avoid any further disturbances.