A video claims the structure stands on government land, sparking fresh controversy; the management committee says the 493-year-old Nau Gaja shrine and 10-bigha graveyard are historic
NEW DELHI — A nearly 400-year-old dargah, graveyard and mosque in Wazirabad, near the Signature Bridge on the Yamuna in the national capital, have come under scrutiny after claims surfaced that the structures stand on government land.
The issue has gained attention at a time when debates over waqf properties are ongoing in the capital. While the Delhi Waqf Board has recently placed claims over 123 properties and sought possession, several petitions have also been filed alleging that certain mosques, madrasas and shrines are built on public land.
The present controversy centres on a shrine known locally as the Nau Gaja Mazar in Wazirabad. A video circulating on social media claims that the graveyard, shrine and a mosque located beneath the Signature Bridge have been built through illegal occupation of government land.
Those sharing the video have demanded that the land be cleared, calling the structures unauthorised.
However, the management committee of the shrine has strongly denied the allegations.
A member of the committee said, “This is the Nau Gaja Mazar. It is around 493 years old. There is a large graveyard here, spread over nearly 10 bigha, where many people are buried. Later, a mosque was also constructed by the local committee.”
According to a member of the Delhi Waqf Board, a petition was filed in 2024 before the Delhi High Court claiming that the shrine and graveyard were located on government land.
A division bench had initially directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to take action and submit a report by 11 December, 2025.
Following that order, the shrine’s management committee approached the court seeking relief. The high court later stayed its own earlier direction and asked both parties to present their arguments by 27 February 2026.
A committee member said, “We respect the court. On 27 February, we will place all historical and legal documents before the bench.”
In related cases, the high court had previously expressed displeasure at petitions which it felt wasted judicial time without sufficient evidence. The court had advised litigants not to misuse the judicial process.
Despite that, fresh claims continue to surface against different religious structures in the city.
A senior lawyer observing the developments said, “Such matters must be decided strictly on records. If the land belongs to the government, that will come out. If it is waqf or privately held, that too must be recognised. Emotions should not decide property disputes.”
Locals say the site has been part of the area’s identity for generations.
An elderly resident said, “My forefathers are buried here. This place has existed long before the bridge was built. We are anxious because rumours spread quickly.”
Members of the Waqf Board say they feel constrained until the court decides.
A board member said, “The issue is before the high court. We cannot take unilateral steps. We will place our position as per the law.”
For now, the future of the dargah, graveyard and mosque rests on the outcome of the proceedings scheduled later this month. Both sides say they will abide by the court’s decision, as the case continues to draw attention across the capital.
