The alleged temple at Gokula Square in Shamshad Market came into focus after Hindutva men claimed it was constructed in 1899
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Hindu outfits have set their eyes on Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and are out to fan communal tension in the volatile Uttar Pradesh city. As part of a diabolical strategy, leaders of a Hindutva organisation, Akhil Bharatiya Karni Sena, on Thursday staged protests demanding the removal of alleged encroachments on a 125-year-old Shiva temple at Shamshad Market in the vicinity of the university campus.
The group issued a week’s ultimatum to the district administration to restore the temple and its premises, threatening to take the law into its own hands if no action was taken.
Media reports on Saturday said the alleged temple at Gokula Square in Shamshad Market came into focus after Hindu activists claimed it was constructed in 1899 by Abhishek Khandelwal’s ancestors. The temple, along with a Dharamshala (rest house) and an ancient well, are now allegedly encroached upon.
Scores of leaders and workers of Hindu outfits and the Karni Sena, led by its state president, Gyanendra Chauhan, tried to march toward the temple, demanding its handover. The police thwarted the march and took several protesters to senior officials, who assured them that they would look into their demands.
The protesters were allowed to submit a memorandum demanding action within seven days. Chauhan addressed the media and said, “We have given the administration a week to remove all encroachments around the temple. If no action is taken, we will reclaim the temple ourselves.”
Khandelwal, claiming his family built the temple, accused members of other communities of occupying 460 yards of land, including a dharamshala and a well, and fencing off the premises. “Although my ancestors’ names are inscribed at the site, devotees can no longer access it, and the well has been covered,” he said.
Responding to the situation, ACM Sanjeev Mishra contacted Additional Municipal Commissioner Veer Singh, who confirmed that the issue had been previously inspected. “A committee will be formed to investigate the matter, and any encroachments will be removed accordingly,” Singh assured.
The municipal officials, according to local media reports, said the tehsil administration has been instructed to review the land records of Gate Number 342, where the temple is located. “We will take action once the report is submitted,” Singh added.
The district administration, anticipating unrest, deployed police personnel around the temple and nearby areas. Authorities reportedly maintained a presence throughout the day near the campus area to prevent any untoward incidents.
During discussions with ACM Mishra, the protesters accused a municipal official of facilitating the alleged encroachments through “arbitrary interference.”
The incident is not isolated. In recent months, Hindu organisations in Uttar Pradesh have raised concerns over similar alleged encroachments on other historical temples across the state.