Police form three special teams after Maula Ali Najaf ul Ashraf shrine is set ablaze; community demands swift justice and protection of religious sites
FARRUKHABAD – Tension spread in parts of Farrukhabad district in Uttar Pradesh after unidentified miscreants attacked a historic Shia shrine late Wednesday, vandalised graves and set fire to religious items, causing fear among members of the minority community.
The incident took place at the Maula Ali Najaf ul Ashraf shrine, located on Chilsara Road under the Maudarwaja police station area. The shrine is regarded as a sacred site by the local Shia community.
According to residents, unknown persons entered the shrine during the night and damaged two graves belonging to Hafiz and Haji. The attackers then set fire inside the premises.
The flames quickly spread and burnt tazias, alams and mehndi kept inside the shrine. Fire also engulfed the roofs and balconies of tazias stored in an old adjoining structure. Thick smoke covered the area, and flames could be seen from a distance.
People living nearby rushed to the spot after noticing the fire.
Sabir Ali, who is associated with the management of the shrine, described the moment he discovered the incident.
“As soon as I opened the lock of the shrine, I saw flames inside,” he said. “I immediately informed Mutawalli Sharif Hussain Rizvi.”
Sharif Hussain Rizvi said the fire spread quickly because the building was old. “The fire was raging in the area where the tazias were kept behind. Since it was an old building, the fire spread rapidly. We informed the Maudarwaja police station and officials. The fire brigade arrived, and after a lot of effort, the fire was brought under control,” he said.
Community members said the shrine holds deep emotional and religious value. “This is not just a building. It is a place of faith for us,” a resident said. “Such attacks hurt our feelings and create fear.”
Probe Launched
Soon after receiving information, senior officials reached the site. Superintendent of Police Dr Aarti Singh, CO Amritpur Sanjay Verma, CO Mohammadabad Ajay Verma, SDM Rajnikant Pandey, Tehsildar Sunny Kanaujia, Police Station Incharge Ajab Singh, Haibatpur Garhiya Outpost Incharge Raghvendra Singh and SI Ajay Kumar arrived with a forensic team.
Superintendent of Police Aarti Singh confirmed that the shrine had been attacked. “Criminals vandalised the shrine and set it on fire. Three special teams have been formed to investigate the matter,” she said. “The culprits will be identified and strict action will be taken.”
Police officials said CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined and local informers have been activated.
Mutawalli Sharif Hussain Rizvi also raised concerns about a previous incident at the same shrine. He said that five to six months ago, CCTV cameras, LCD displays and silver flags were stolen from the premises.
“An FIR was filed at the police station, but no action was taken,” Rizvi said. “If strict action had been taken earlier, perhaps this incident could have been prevented.”
Members of the Shia community have urged the administration to act firmly and ensure security for religious places. “We want peace and justice,” a community elder said. “Those responsible must be punished so that such incidents do not happen again.”
The attack has added to worries among minorities in the region, who say protection of places of worship is essential for maintaining communal harmony.
Police said security has been increased in the area and investigations are ongoing.
