Hindu Mob Storms Fatehpur Tomb, 150 Booked by Police
150 booked for vandalism at disputed mausoleum.
A violent clash erupted in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday as members of Hindu right-wing groups, including Bajrang Dal, stormed a centuries-old mausoleum in Abu Nagar, claiming it was a temple and demanding prayer rights, police said. Over 150 individuals were booked for damaging public property and disturbing peace, with tensions escalating after the mob hoisted a saffron flag and vandalized the structure.
Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar Singh confirmed that videos showed people chanting “Jai Shree Ram” and carrying saffron flags, but no firearms were observed. The FIR names 10 individuals, including Bajrang Dal’s Dharmendra Singh, BJP members Abhishek Shukla, Devnath Dhakad, Rithik Pal, Prasoon Tiwari, and others, alongside 150 unidentified persons. Police are investigating how the mob breached security.
The unrest followed warnings from BJP district president Mukhlal Pal, who claimed the mausoleum, linked to Nawab Abu Samad, was a temple with a “Shivling” and symbols like tridents and lotuses. The Math-Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti demanded restoration of the alleged temple, citing its dilapidated state. Conversely, caretaker Mohammad Nafis insisted the 500-year-old structure, built by Emperor Akbar’s grandson, houses the graves of Abu Mohammad and Abu Samad. The Rashtriya Ulema Council urged the administration to preserve its historical character.
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Police from Kotwali, Radhanagar, Malwan, and Husainganj stations, backed by the Provincial Armed Constabulary, were deployed to restore order, using mild force to disperse the crowd. “The situation is now calm, with only police remaining at the site,” Singh said, denying claims of firearms.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak emphasized the BJP’s commitment to peace, accusing the Samajwadi Party of stoking communal tensions. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav countered on X, calling the incident a “BJP conspiracy” to disrupt harmony, urging the public to resist such tactics and questioning whether authorities would identify the culprits.
The incident has reignited debates over religious site disputes, with locals fearing further unrest as investigations continue.
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