Anti-social elements damaged a 150-year-old Muslim tomb in Keshopur village, Jamui district, but communities united swiftly to maintain peace
NEW DELHI/JAMUI— In a disturbing act that threatened to unsettle the peaceful coexistence of communities, some anti-social elements vandalised a historic Muslim tomb in Keshopur village under Jhajha police station, Jamui district. The tomb, estimated to be around 150 years old, holds deep religious and cultural importance, not just for Muslims but for people of various faiths in the area.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals and has been viewed by many as a deliberate attempt to sow communal discord. However, in a commendable show of unity, people from all communities have stood together to reject hatred and violence.
According to eyewitnesses and villagers, the tomb is a revered place where people from Keshopur, Jamukhrayya, Dhiba and surrounding villages gather to pray and seek blessings. “This tomb is not just a Muslim place of worship. People from all communities come here to pay respects and perform rituals when their wishes are fulfilled,” said Mohammad Aslam, a respected elder from Keshopur.
The damage caused to the tomb has deeply hurt the sentiments of the local population. “Breaking the tomb was a clear attempt to provoke tension between communities. We will not allow such divisive acts to succeed,” said Ayesha Khan, a community leader in Jamui. She added, “Our brotherhood is stronger than those who wish to break it.”
Immediately after the incident was reported, senior police officials rushed to the site. Jhajha SDPO Rajesh Kumar, along with Police Station President Sanjay Singh, In-charge CO Aarti Bhushan and others, reached Keshopur village to control the situation. The police converted the area into a cantonment zone to prevent any further escalation.
SDPO Rajesh Kumar told reporters, “No one involved in this act will be spared. We have deployed watchmen and additional police forces around the tomb and the neighbouring areas. Strict legal action will be taken against the accused. Our aim is to ensure peace during the upcoming Bakrid celebrations.”
Local residents praised the swift response of the administration. “The police came quickly and took control. Their presence has reassured us all,” said Rafiq Ahmed, a shopkeeper from nearby Jamukhrayya village.
Importantly, people from all religious communities gathered to pledge unity and harmony. A joint meeting was held under police supervision where a decision was made to repair the damaged tomb together. The repair work began soon after, with both Muslims and Hindus contributing their efforts.
Ramesh Kumar, a Hindu villager from Dhiba, expressed his support, saying, “We condemn this act of vandalism. It is our duty as neighbours to protect each other’s places of worship and maintain peace.”
The incident comes at a sensitive time when religious harmony is vital. The villagers have appealed for calm and urged everyone to celebrate Bakrid peacefully. SDPO Rajesh Kumar confirmed that a flag march will be conducted in the vicinity to boost mutual trust and solidarity.
Community leaders have also called for vigilance against those who try to disturb the peace. “The unity shown by all communities here is an example for the whole country,” said Imam Salahuddin of the local mosque. “We must stay alert against divisive forces and work together to keep harmony alive.”
This event has revealed how a small group of troublemakers attempted to harm the social fabric, but the strength of brotherhood and prompt action by law enforcement prevented a major crisis.
The villagers hope that the administration will continue to protect their religious sites and bring the culprits to justice swiftly. “We want justice, but we also want peace,” said Ayesha Khan. “It is our joint responsibility to protect each other’s rights and faith.”
The community prepares to celebrate Bakrid, the message from Keshopur is clear: unity will always defeat hate. The people’s courage to stand together sends a strong message against those who try to divide India’s diverse society.
