A tomb outside a mausoleum in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur became the centre of religious tension on Monday after members of a Hindu organisation vandalised it, insisting the structure was built on the remains of an ancient temple.
The disputed site, located in Abu Nagar, Rediya locality of Sadar tehsil, is officially recorded under Khasra number 753 as Maqbara Mangi, listed as national property. However, Hindu groups, including the Math Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Bajrang Dal, claim it is a temple dedicated to Thakurji and Lord Shiva, allegedly over a thousand years old.
Video footage from the scene shows a crowd waving saffron flags and chanting “Jai Shree Ram” outside the tomb.
The protest escalated after BJP’s Fatehpur district president Mukhlal Pal alleged that the tomb of Nawab Abdus Samad was originally a temple. He cited carvings of a lotus flower and a trident within the structure as proof of its Hindu origin.
“The form of our temple has been converted into a mosque. We Sanatan Hindus will not tolerate this. There are clear signs like lotus flowers and tridents. Tomorrow, we will offer prayers at the temple at any cost,” Pal declared, calling on supporters to gather for a march and pooja on August 11.
Bajrang Dal’s Fatehpur district co-convenor Dharmendra Singh also vowed to perform prayers at the site, saying the administration would not be able to stop them.
Virendra Pandey, state vice president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), claimed the site is a temple of Lord Bholenath and Shri Krishna, complete with a Parikrama Marg and a temple well. He demanded the area be cleaned for Janmashtami celebrations on August 16, accusing officials of ignoring repeated requests.
Despite these claims, the administration maintains that the land is a registered tomb and has increased security around the site. Barricades have been erected, and police and PAC forces have been deployed to prevent clashes.
In response, Mo Naseem, national secretary of the National Ulama Council, condemned the vandalism and accused Hindu groups of attempting to distort history. He said the tomb is centuries old and recorded in government documents, warning that allowing the planned August 11 programme could spark unrest.
District officials say they are monitoring the situation closely and have instructed that no unauthorised entry be allowed into the disputed area.
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