Muslims say religious site being unfairly targeted amid ownership dispute with Municipal Corporation; officials order scrutiny of land records
LUCKNOW — The long-standing dispute over an Imambara in Varanasi’s Durga Kund area has taken a new turn after Hindu organisations claimed the presence of an ancient well within the premises. The claim has triggered unrest in the city, with both sides standing firm on ownership.
On Monday, a team led by the City Magistrate visited the Imambara for inspection. The Mutawalli (caretaker) of the site removed a curtain covering part of the structure, where a well was found. Hindu organisations immediately claimed it as proof of an ancient temple structure.
“This Imambara has been here for decades, and suddenly they are saying it hides a temple well. This is a deliberate attempt to create tension and target our religious place,” said Abdul Rahman, a local resident.
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has also entered the dispute. In a notice dated 18 August, officials declared that land number 2342 in the Durga Kund area, measuring around 240 square metres, belonged to the corporation. The authorities alleged that the Imambara was built on encroached land.
When the corporation’s team tried to barricade the site, it led to protests from Muslims who maintain that the land has always belonged to their community.
“We have valid documents to prove this is our property. The Hajis and locals have maintained this Imambara for years. The Municipal Corporation’s sudden claim is nothing but harassment,” said Syed Sajid, a community member.
Seeing the situation escalate, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) City directed the Naib Tehsildar to collect documents from both parties and verify ownership. The Public Relations Department of the Municipal Corporation confirmed that a detailed investigation into land records is under way.
“The administration has asked for all relevant records. Both parties have presented their claims, and a final decision will be based on official documents,” a senior municipal official said.
After the discovery of the well, Hindu organisations have increased their activity around the site. They insist that the well is linked to a historic temple water system and claim the Imambara was built later by covering it.
“This well is evidence of our temple. We demand that the government takes it back and restores it,” said Ramesh Tiwari, a member of a Hindu group present at the site.
Right-wing historians supporting the claim argue that the well could have been part of the social and cultural life of the old temple in the area.
With both sides firm on their positions, the administration has deployed police at the site to prevent any possible clash. Locals say the area remains tense.
“The administration should act fairly. Muslims are being harassed in the name of heritage. If this continues, peace will be disturbed in Varanasi,” warned Maulana Asif, a local imam.
The ADM has assured that only after thorough examination of historical records and land documents will the government decide on ownership. For now, both communities are waiting for the outcome of the inquiry, but the matter has already deepened communal unease in Varanasi.
