Farrukhabad: Tension gripped parts of Farrukhabad district after unidentified persons attacked the historic Maula Ali Najaf ul Ashraf shrine late Wednesday night. The attackers vandalised two graves and set fire to religious items, alarming the local Shia community.
The shrine, located on Chilsara Road under Maudarwaja police station, holds deep religious value. Residents said the miscreants entered the premises at night, damaged the graves of Hafiz and Haji, and ignited a fire inside the complex.
Flames spread quickly and burnt tazias, alams and mehndi stored inside. The fire also damaged roofs and balconies of tazias kept in an adjoining old structure. Thick smoke covered the area as locals rushed to help.
Sabir Ali, linked to the shrine management, said he saw flames when he opened the lock in the morning. He informed Mutawalli Sharif Hussain Rizvi, who alerted the police and fire services. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after sustained effort.
Superintendent of Police Dr Aarti Singh confirmed the attack. She said three special teams are probing the case. Police are scanning CCTV footage and gathering inputs from local sources.
Rizvi recalled a previous theft at the shrine five to six months ago involving CCTV cameras and silver flags. He said an FIR was filed and urged firm action to prevent further incidents.
Community members demanded swift justice and stronger protection for religious sites. Police have increased security in the area and continue their investigation.
