Hindutwa mob vandalises historic Nawab's tomb in Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur: A Hindutva organisation vandalised a tomb in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur, claiming that it was constructed on top of an ancient Hindu temple. The incident had triggered communal tensions in the area on Monday, The Free Press Journal (TFPJ) reported.

Following the vandalism of the tomb of Nawab Abdus Samad, and a communal trigger, the district administration deployed heavy police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) forces.

The tomb, officially recorded under Khasra number 753 as Maqbara Mangi (National Property), became a flashpoint for members of the Math Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti and other Hindu groups, including the BJP, TFPJ reported.

According to Hindutva groups, the site belongs to a thousand-year-old temple dedicated to Thakurji and Lord Shiva. A video of those involved in the vandalism is available online, and they could be seen waving saffron flags and violently chanting “Jai Shree Ram” outside the tomb.

BJP’s district president in Fatehpur Mukhlal Pal claimed that the structure bears carvings of symbols such as a lotus and a trident, which proves it is a temple.

He claimed that the form of their temple was converted into a mosque, which the Sanatan Hindus cannot tolerate. He said that they will offer prayers at the structure at any cost. He added that the government would be held responsible if their worship was obstructed, India Today reported.

When certain Hindutva groups have claimed that the temple claimed to be there at the spot of the tomb belonged to Thakurji and Lord Shiva, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) claimed that the claimed temple belonged to Lord Bholenath and Shri Krishna, citing features like Parikrama Marg and a temple well.