Authorities rush to secure the revered site; investigation begins amid growing religious tensions
REWA – The renowned Ghazi Miyan Dargah in the village Gorgi area of Gurh police station in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh was vandalised on Friday night, triggering widespread anger and fear among the local Muslim community. The perpetrators remain unidentified, and police investigations are underway.
According to eyewitnesses, unknown individuals entered the dargah premises under the cover of darkness, targeting the tomb and causing visible damage. News of the attack spread quickly in the morning, leading to a large gathering of Muslims at the nearby police station demanding swift action.
Local residents condemned the attack as a deliberate attempt to inflame communal tensions. “Hurting someone’s faith is an attempt to divide society and spoil peace,” said one villager. “We will not tolerate such actions under any circumstances.”
Community leaders emphasised that this incident is part of a troubling pattern in which Hindu organisations have increasingly targeted Muslim religious sites across the country. From controversies over Idgahs and mosques to attacks on dargahs and madrasas, these actions often claim that a temple existed at the location earlier, echoing past conflicts such as Babri Masjid and Shahi Idgah in Mathura. The pattern has recently spread to Gyanvapi, Sambhal’s Shahi Masjid, and Ajmer Dargah, fuelling fear and uncertainty among Muslims nationwide.
Authorities responded promptly after the incident. SDM Anurag Tiwari said, “The administration is fully alert. People of the community are repairing the damaged parts together. We have appealed to villagers to maintain peace. The situation is currently under control.”
DSP Headquarters Himani Pathak confirmed that a video showing the vandalism had circulated on social media, making the extent of the damage clear. “We have registered a case against unknown persons and the investigation has begun. No accused will be spared, and the matter is being thoroughly investigated,” she said.
Muslim residents have expressed disappointment at repeated attacks on their places of worship and stressed the need for protection of religious sites. “This dargah is a sacred place for our community. Attacking it is not just an attack on bricks and stones, it is an attack on our faith and our identity,” said a local elder.
Security has been tightened at the dargah, and a significant police presence remains to prevent further disturbances. Community members have pledged to cooperate fully with authorities while continuing to call for justice and protection for their religious heritage.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile state of communal relations in parts of India and Muslim leaders have urged the government to take stronger measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.
