– Mohd.Naushad Khan
Fatehpur, UP – A 350-year-old Mughal-era mausoleum in Abunagar, Fatehpur, was vandalised on Monday. Thousands, led by Hindu organisations and BJP district president Mukhlal Pal, stormed the site after breaking police barricades. They damaged two graves inside and two outside the structure. A saffron flag was hoisted on its dome.
Police were present during the attack. The mob acted in broad daylight. The incident has sparked outrage nationwide.
Samajwadi Party (SP) national spokesperson Ameeque Jamei condemned the act. He called it a “deliberate attempt by the BJP to incite communal unrest and grab prime land worth crores.” He said the issue will be raised in the UP Assembly on Tuesday.
Jamei spoke alongside Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey and Kanpur Cantt MLA Rumi Hasan. He alleged that “Scared and cornered in Delhi, Modi and Amit Shah are using incidents like Fatehpur to divert attention from real issues.” He accused them of “pushing peaceful areas into the fire of communalism” to pursue a “land-grabbing agenda.”
He praised SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and the INDIA bloc for their strong stance. He claimed public faith in the Election Commission has eroded due to such incidents.
The mausoleum stands opposite the Eidgah. It is believed to be the resting place of Mughal figure Abdul Samad Khan and his son Abu Mohammad. For two weeks, BJP leaders and Hindu groups claimed it was a “Thakur Dwara.” They announced a religious ceremony for August 11.
Police had set up barricades and bamboo fencing to block access. Around 11 a.m., the crowd pushed past security, chanting slogans. They entered the premises, damaged graves, and raised the saffron flag.
Muslim community members protested peacefully. The District Magistrate and SP arrived, removed the flag, and spoke to both sides. Allahabad Zone ADG Sanjeev Singh also reached the spot. He reprimanded officials for negligence.
Additional police and PAC forces from several districts have been deployed. They will stay until the situation is calm.
The SP blamed the administration and the government for failing to protect the site. A party delegation will visit Fatehpur soon. The matter is set to take centre stage in the Assembly.
