New Delhi: Despite the passage of a year since the incidents of vandalism at the Mohan Garden (Vipin Garden) cemetery in South-West Delhi, the police are yet to register an FIR. Even today, miscreants continue to damage graves, disrupting communal harmony. In response, officials of the Muslim Cultural Society Uttam Nagar and local residents staged a peaceful protest after Friday prayers today, demanding immediate action.
In a statement, the Muslim Cultural Society said, “It is worth noting that on January 31, 2024, at 11 AM, Mohammad Haroon, President of Muslim Cultural Society and some officials were heading to Mohan Garden police station to file a complaint regarding the destruction of graves by anti-social elements. Upon arriving at the cemetery, they witnessed severe vandalism – numerous old, permanent graves, including those of their former members, had been ruthlessly destroyed. They immediately informed the police by calling PCR (Police Control Room) and submitting a written complaint. However, even after a year, the police have taken no action, and the real culprits continue to roam freely.”
The statement further said, “This is not the first such incident. In February 2020, anti-social elements dumped debris on graves and engaged in illegal activities at the cemetery to disrupt peace in the area. The cemetery contains approximately 2,500 graves belonging to Muslim families from the surrounding areas. At that time, members of the Muslim Cultural Society, along with local residents, caught the tractor-trolley, driver, and helper involved in the act and handed them over to the police. An FIR (No. 97/2020) was registered at Mohan Garden Police Station, and the case is still under trial at Dwarka Court.
“However, even in that case, the police failed to take strict action, registering the case under mild charges instead of stronger ones. As a result, the accused became emboldened, and last year, they destroyed more graves, including those of deceased members of the Muslim Cultural Society. Despite repeated complaints to the police and senior officials, no legal action has been taken so far.”
ALSO READ: FIR Lodged in Mohan Garden graves vandalizing case: Adv. Raees Ahmed – Radiance News
Frustrated by the continuous attacks, the Society, along with local residents, organised a protest today against the ongoing destruction of graves at Mohan Garden Cemetery.
The protest saw significant participation, including Society President Mohammad Haroon, Vice President Mohammad Iqbal, Treasurer Noor Alam Ansari, and many concerned citizens. The protesters peacefully demanded that the government and police administration take immediate steps to safeguard the cemetery and its graves.
Speaking at the protest, society officials expressed hope that the newly elected Delhi government would take appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the cemetery. They announced that the Society’s representatives would soon meet Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and other senior officials to seek a permanent resolution so that acting on its complaint, an FIR is registered against those responsible for vandalising the cemetery, and strict legal action is taken against those responsible for the incidents of vandalism.
