Tensions flared in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district after members of Hindu organizations damaged a tomb, insisting it stands on the ruins of a historic temple. The incident has prompted heightened security measures as conflicting claims over the site’s religious identity intensify, with plans for rituals potentially sparking further confrontations today.
Claims of Temple Conversion Spark Vandalism
On Monday, activists from the Math Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti and affiliated groups, including BJP representatives, entered the premises of a tomb in Abu Nagar’s Rediya area under Sadar tehsil and caused damage outside the mausoleum.
They argue that the structure, documented in government records as Maqbara Mangi (a national property under Khasra number 753), is actually a millennium-old temple dedicated to Thakurji and Lord Shiva. Proponents point to symbols like a lotus flower and trident as proof of its Hindu origins.
BJP district president Mukhlal Pal has led the charge, stating that the tomb of Nawab Abdus Samad was modified from an original temple. “The form of our temple has been converted into a mosque.
मकबरा v/s मंदिर विवाद:UP के जिला फतेहपुर में एक पुरानी बिल्डिंग है। कुछ लोगों ने इसे मंदिर बताकर 11 अगस्त से सौंदर्यकरण शुरू करने की परमिशन DM से मांगी है। BJP सहित कई हिन्दू संगठनों ने 11 अगस्त को यहां पूजा करने का ऐलान किया था
वहीं राष्ट्रीय उलेमा कौंसिल ने इसे नवाब अब्दुल समद… pic.twitter.com/bj8oCIz8pM— Himanshu Dwivedi(Legal Journalist) (@Dwivedihd92) August 11, 2025
We Sanatan Hindus will not tolerate this. There are clear signs like lotus flowers and tridents. Tomorrow, on August 11, we will offer prayers at the temple at any cost,” he said.
Pal urged followers to assemble at Puri Thakur Dak Bungalow by 9 am for a procession and worship, adding, “We are peaceful people, but if we have to fight for our religion, we are ready in every way.”
He also mentioned that officials have acknowledged the site’s temple history and cautioned that any obstruction would hold the government accountable.
Echoing these sentiments, Bajrang Dal’s Fatehpur district co-convenor Dharmendra Singh declared intentions for midday prayers, asserting, “We will offer prayers here at noon.
The administration will not be able to stop us.” VHP state vice president Virendra Pandey reinforced the narrative, describing it as a shrine to Lord Bholenath and Shri Krishna with features like religious icons, a circumambulation path, and a sacred well. “The structure is not a tomb. There are religious symbols, Parikrama Marg, and a temple well.
We want it cleaned for Janmashtami celebrations on August 16. We had informed the administration ten days ago, but they are not taking it seriously,” he said, positioning it as a key Hindu faith center to be restored.
Counterclaims and Administrative Response
Opposition to these actions came swiftly from Muslim leaders, with National Ulama Council national secretary Mo Naseem denouncing the vandalism as an effort to undermine historical facts and communal peace.
“It is a centuries-old tomb with graves inside. The place is clearly recorded in government documents. Are we now going to look for temples under every mosque and tomb?” he questioned, accusing certain elements of fabricating religious disputes.
Naseem threatened statewide protests if authorities fail to halt today’s planned events, criticizing the handling of biased viewpoints.
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In light of the unrest, the district administration has ramped up precautions, deploying substantial police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) units while setting up barricades to restrict access to the site.
Junior Engineer Avinash Pandey from Nagar Palika Parishad verified that these barriers were installed on directives from the District Officer to maintain order.
Officials reiterate that records confirm the location as a protected tomb, and they are vigilantly overseeing developments to avert any escalation.
