Agra: A man entered the restricted basement of the Taj Mahal and recorded a video showing the original graves of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The incident has raised questions about security at one of India’s most visited monuments.
The video, which spread across social media, shows the man approaching the underground chamber where entry is prohibited for visitors. Authorities later confirmed that he had crossed security limits and entered an area closed to the public. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which manages the Taj Mahal, said it has begun an inquiry into the breach.
Visitors are normally allowed to view the symbolic cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz on the main floor of the mausoleum. The actual graves lie directly below in the basement chamber, which remains closed. Officials maintain that this restriction is necessary for preservation and safety reasons.
The Taj Mahal attracts around 7 to 8 million visitors annually, including both domestic and international tourists. Security has been a long-standing concern, with previous calls for tighter monitoring of movement inside the monument. Experts have stressed that repeated breaches risk damaging the centuries-old structure and disturb the sanctity of the site.
The ASI stated that security staff are being questioned and additional measures will be considered to prevent such incidents in the future. The man responsible is expected to face legal action under heritage protection laws.
The incident has renewed public debate on balancing tourist access with preservation. Heritage groups have urged authorities to improve surveillance and raise awareness among visitors about restricted areas.
