Unidentified persons entered the centuries-old shrine of Hazrat Mira Sahib inside Prithviraj Chauhan Fort and vandalised religious items before setting parts of the site on fire, local residents say.
HANSI – A centuries-old shrine located inside the historic Hansi Fort in Haryana’s Hisar district has allegedly been vandalised and partially set on fire, triggering concern among local residents and devotees who regard the site as an important symbol of the region’s shared cultural and religious heritage.
The incident took place at the Mazar of Hazrat Mira Sahib, situated within the historic fort complex in Hansi, around 120 kilometres from Delhi. Local residents and caretakers of the shrine have alleged that unidentified persons entered the premises, damaged religious items and photographs, and later set parts of the shrine on fire.
The incident has shocked residents of the town, where the shrine has long been visited by people from different communities.
According to the shrine’s caretaker, known locally as Sita Master, everything appeared normal on the previous evening. However, when he arrived at the site the following morning, he discovered signs of vandalism and damage.
“Some anti-social elements entered the shrine, damaged photographs and other items, and then set them on fire,” Sita Master said.
He added that the incident had hurt the sentiments of devotees and local residents who have respected the shrine for generations.
“We want the authorities to identify those responsible and take strict legal action against them,” he said.
The shrine of Hazrat Mira Sahib is considered one of the important religious sites within the historic Hansi Fort complex. Local traditions hold that Hazrat Mira Sahib, also known as Syed Muhammad, arrived in the region centuries ago and later died during a conflict in the area. Following his death, a shrine was established at the location and gradually became a place of remembrance and prayer.
Historians note that Hansi Fort itself is among the significant historical structures in northern India. Spread across a large area, the fort has witnessed the rule of several dynasties and remains an important landmark in Haryana’s cultural history.
Residents say the shrine and the fort together represent the area’s diverse historical legacy and have long stood as symbols of coexistence and mutual respect among communities.
News of the incident spread quickly through Hansi and nearby areas, drawing concern from local residents and community leaders.
Several residents expressed disappointment over the reported attack on a site they describe as part of the town’s historical identity.
“This place is not only a religious site but also part of our local history,” one resident said. “Any damage to such a place affects the entire community.”
Another local resident said the incident should be investigated without delay.
“Whether it is a mosque, temple, shrine, church or any other place of worship, everyone expects such places to be protected and respected,” he said.
Police officials confirmed that they visited the site after receiving information about the incident.
Anil, the officer in charge of the local police outpost, said a police team inspected the location and collected preliminary information.
“As soon as we received information, a police team reached the site and conducted an inspection,” he said.
The officer added that police were awaiting a formal written complaint.
“We have not yet received a written complaint. Once it is submitted, an investigation will be carried out and appropriate legal action will be taken according to the law,” he said.
Officials have not yet announced whether any suspects have been identified.
Local residents and community representatives have urged authorities to examine all available evidence, including possible eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage from surrounding areas, if available.
The incident has also renewed discussion about the protection of historical and religious sites across the country.
Community leaders have called for stronger security arrangements at heritage locations, particularly those that attract visitors and devotees throughout the year.
Some residents noted that attacks on religious or historical sites can create unnecessary tension and therefore require a swift and transparent response from authorities.
They stressed the importance of ensuring that those responsible are identified through a fair investigation and brought before the law.
Legal experts point out that Indian law provides protection to religious places and heritage structures, and any act of vandalism or deliberate damage can attract criminal penalties.
For many residents of Hansi, the immediate concern is restoring the damaged portions of the shrine and ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
The shrine remained a place of prayer and remembrance for generations, and devotees hope it will continue to serve that role in the future.
As police await a formal complaint and begin the process of gathering evidence, local residents say they are looking for a thorough investigation that establishes exactly what happened and who was responsible.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of safeguarding places of historical and religious significance, which many communities view as an essential part of India’s diverse cultural heritage.
