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News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
How Fatehpur Maqbara Turned Flashpoint: Temple–Mosque Dispute Over 200-Year-Old Tomb Sparks Clashes
Last Updated: Hindu outfits claimed the tomb was a temple, sparking violent clashes, political blame games, and massive security deployment in UP's latest communal confrontation. A centuries-old tomb in Fatehpur has become the centre of a communal confrontation. On Monday morning, a 200-year-old maqbara (tomb) inside the Eidgah in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district became the focal point of a fierce temple–mosque dispute after Hindu groups claimed it was originally a temple. They forcibly entered the premises, sparking violent clashes and prompting the deployment of security forces from seven districts. How it began The unrest traces back to a video circulating on social media late last week, in which a group of men alleged that the maqbara, locally known as the 'Peer Baba Maqbara," was built over the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple. Although such claims had occasionally surfaced in the past, this was the first time they were amplified online alongside calls for physical action. Four days before the clashes, the 'Math Mandir Sangharsh Samiti' submitted a memorandum to District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, demanding that the site be 'restored" as a Hindu temple and announcing plans to clean it and celebrate Janmashtami there on August 11. Acting on intelligence inputs of possible unrest, police barricaded the maqbara. However, the mobilisation on Monday morning was larger and swifter than expected. By 10 am, hundreds of people from various Hindu outfits had gathered near the site, carrying sticks and saffron flags. Eyewitnesses said protesters broke through the barricades, entered the maqbara compound, chanted slogans, and declared it a temple. Hindu Mahasabha leader Manoj Trivedi performed puja inside, while some men climbed the roof and planted saffron flags. The sight enraged local Muslims, and within minutes, around 1,500 people had assembled at the Eidgah, triggering a tense standoff. From tension to clashes The confrontation quickly turned violent, with stone-pelting reported from both sides. Police launched a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, but the unrest spilled into nearby streets. ADG Prayagraj Zone Sanjeev Gupta rushed to the spot, overseeing a flag march while drones monitored the area. Reinforcements from six neighbouring districts and personnel from ten police stations were called in. Fatehpur SP Anup Singh said forces had been stationed at the site since morning, but 'some miscreants still managed to get inside." The flags were removed and the premises secured. 'Only police personnel remain inside. Everyone else has been sent back," he said. By evening, an FIR was registered against 10 named and 150 unidentified individuals under charges including trespass, vandalism, and rioting. Among those booked were BJP district general secretary Pushpraj Patel and Bajrang Dal district convenor Dharmendra Singh. Multiple police teams have been formed to arrest all accused. Political reactions The incident immediately entered the political arena. BSP chief Mayawati condemned the violence, warning against 'deliberate stoking of communal fires for political gain" and urging impartial action. 'Such controversies are neither in the interest of the state nor the country. The government must deal strictly with those disturbing peace," she said. SP president Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling BJP of creating 'diversionary issues" to distract from governance failures. 'After Sambhal, now Fatehpur — religious places are being turned into battlegrounds. The BJP government is playing with people's emotions instead of focusing on employment, inflation, and farmers' issues," he posted on X. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak assured that 'no one will be allowed to break the law" and promised strict enforcement of order. Appeals for calm In an attempt to defuse the situation, Shahar Qazi Saeedul Islam Abdullah appealed to Muslims to maintain peace. 'Those who created trouble will face legal action. Our city's harmony must be preserved. We should remain calm and let the administration do its work," he said. Meanwhile, hundreds of Hindu activists regrouped about 500 metres away at Dak Bungalow Chauraha, blocked the road, and began reciting the Hanuman Chalisa in protest against police action. Administrative response The District Magistrate's office announced that the disputed structure would remain under 24-hour security with restricted entry until further orders. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been asked to provide historical documentation of the site. Authorities are also probing whether the large gathering was orchestrated in advance and whether additional groups were involved in mobilising crowds. Layers of history The maqbara, believed to be around 200 years old, is thought to have been built during the late Mughal or early colonial period as the tomb of a local noble, Nawab Abdul Samad. It features a blend of late Indo-Islamic architecture with ornamental motifs resembling older Hindu styles — a design overlap not uncommon in that era. For decades, the site saw no recorded dispute and was quietly maintained by the local Muslim community. However, recent controversies over religious monuments in Mathura, Varanasi, and Sambhal have created a charged atmosphere where overlapping architectural features are increasingly cited as evidence of religious conversion or demolition. By late evening, officials reported the situation 'under control," but tensions persisted. Three companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and senior officers remained on site. Streets around the Eidgah bore the aftermath of the unrest — scattered stones, dismantled barricades, and the persistent hum of surveillance drones overhead. For Fatehpur — once a symbol of Uttar Pradesh's Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb — Monday's events were a stark reminder of how quickly communal harmony can be tested. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : communal clashes fatehpur mosque temple uttar pradesh view comments Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: August 12, 2025, 14:37 IST News india How Fatehpur Maqbara Turned Flashpoint: Temple–Mosque Dispute Over 200-Year-Old Tomb Sparks Clashes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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India Today
01-08-2025
- Politics
- India Today
'Sink city' Gurugram: Who is responsible for Millennium City's civic mess?
This India Today special campaign for change focusses on the civic collapse in Gurgaon, the Millennium City. Residents, who have invested significantly in luxury properties, find themselves navigating a city plagued by infrastructural failure, especially during monsoons. The core issue examined is the fragmented jurisdiction and overlapping responsibilities of multiple civic bodies, including the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG), Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), and the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). Despite an annual expenditure of over Rs 500 crore for sanitation, garbage, and maintenance, the city's drains remain clogged. The programme questions the lack of accountability, which traces up to the Chief Minister of Haryana who holds the urban development portfolio. As one resident, Ravindra Singh, stated, "How can we talk about 100 smart cities when we are this dumb to not have a drainage system?"
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
Suspended RAC constable held in '21 SI exam leak case
1 2 3 Jaipur: The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Rajasthan Police on Thursday arrested a 43-year-old suspended constable of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC). He was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to his arrest in connection with the 2021 Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam paper leak case. ADG (SOG) VK Singh said the accused, identified as Shiv Singh, a resident of Sikar district and formerly posted with the 10th Battalion RAC in Bikaner, was absconding since his name surfaced in the paper leak conspiracy. According to the SOG, Shiv conspired with co-accused Sandeep Kumar Lata to procure and distribute leaked question papers in exchange for money. The duo allegedly helped two candidates—Surendra Kumar Bagdiya and Ravindra Singh—gain access to the leaked material ahead of the examination. Investigators said that Lata handed over the leaked question papers and answer keys to Ravindra Singh at his residence in Udaipur. Ravindra then passed the materials to Surendra Bagdiya, who later secured the third position in the final SI trainee merit list. Once sufficient evidence was collected against the accused, he went underground. An arrest warrant was issued against him by a Jaipur court in September last year. Subsequently, the SOG announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Fluent in photosynthesis, stumped by ‘prakash sanshleshan': In Noida, Hindi to English to Hindi puzzles students
Noida: Reshma, a Class IV student at a govt school in Ghaziabad, has a thorough understanding of 'photosynthesis' but she was stumped by a question on 'prakash sanshleshan' during her EVS exam last year. It was only when her teacher explained that the term means photosynthesis did Reshma stop panicking and get back to answering the question. In 2018, around 94 govt primary schools in Ghaziabad and Noida switched to English-medium instruction to boost enrolment. But the transition hasn't been smooth. It isn't uncommon for Hindi question papers to be given to these schools, where students like Reshma blank out on unfamiliar terms. Teachers told TOI that the staff has had to translate or rewrite questions on the classroom board to explain the terminologies. They then leave it to students to answer questions in Hindi or English – either of the languages that the kid is comfortable using. "In subjects like maths, science and EVS, precise terminology is critical. The terms in English and Hindi are entirely different. Every year, we receive English-medium textbooks, but during exams, some subjects are presented with Hindi-language papers. How will students understand? Teachers often have to translate or rewrite the questions. Sometimes, we even create entire question papers in English. This process is confusing and time-consuming for everyone," said a teacher at Govt Composite School-Raipur in Noida. This mismatch, officials say, is because of changes in policy. Two years after 15,000 schools across UP shifted to English-medium instruction, the central govt unveiled the National Education Policy (NEP), which places greater emphasis on the use of "mother tongue in education", a teacher said. Ravindra Singh, principal of Babbal Garhi Primary School in Ghaziabad, said that after the 2018 switch, teachers were hired specifically on their English language skills. "The first year, 2018-19, saw the introduction of especially curated English-language textbooks across all subjects. Initially, both students and staff were enthusiastic, and enrolment numbers increased significantly. But after the pandemic, availability of English study materials became inconsistent. Then, with implementation of NEP, teaching again shifted predominantly to Hindi," Singh said. Another teacher said this flip-flop has caused "confusion" and "stress" for educators, who were suddenly expected to instruct students in Hindi. A Class II student in Noida said she was taught in English at her school till last year. "The papers came in Hindi. It was very confusing. Even though I knew the answers, I couldn't write them. But now, we are taught in both languages," the student said. A teacher based in Ghaziabad said that the schools remain English-medium on paper but mode of instruction is now predominantly Hindi. "There is no official order, but I think govt wants to convert all English-medium schools back to Hindi medium again," she said. Officials said all question papers, in English or Hindi, are made at the District Institute for Education and Training (DIET). "The papers are then given to the basic education department. Printing and circulation is done by the basic education department as per their requirement," said RS Yadav, principal of DIET in Noida. OP Yadav, Ghaziabad BSA (basic shiksha adhikari), said all question papers are distributed as received from DIET. "If there is any further order from the state education department, we will follow that. However, regarding receiving Hindi papers in English-medium schools, the education department will look into the matter," Yadav said. Vinita Tyagi, a member of Ghaziabad's State Resource Group (SRG) that advises the district education department, admitted that the 2018 initiative was not implemented properly. "It was a combined responsibility of everyone in the education system to implement it without any hassle. However, there has been a lot of confusion regarding distribution of English-books, question papers, etc." Tyagi said. Students who enrolled in the English-medium schools are struggling otherwise too. Teachers told TOI that admissions went up in the initial years, but many students dropped out, while some others opted for private schools eventually. "In the first year, enrolment jumped from 50 to 112. We also supported autorickshaw services for students. But private schools came up in the area and parents shifted their children to those schools," said Babita, principal of the Primary School in Matiala, Ghaziabad. Another hurdle is finding govt-run English-medium schools after Class V. "When students transition to upper primary or secondary school, they can't find English-medium options at higher levels, and the few that exist are often located far from students' homes. Then, they have two choices – switch to Hindi-medium education or move to private schools to continue studies in English," said a teacher at the Matiala school. Parents said it was easier to opt for private schools if one could afford them. "Why not enrol your child in a private school from Class I, instead of facing disruption later… Moreover, studying in private school gives more confidence to my son, than it would in a govt school. I don't want my children to suffer like us. I want them to get out of the village and get a job, for which understanding and speaking in English is important," said Mohammed Sayed, a resident of Bhojpur in Ghaziabad.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh: Two brothers arrested after encounter for murder over decades-old family feud
SSP Muzaffarnagar, Sanjay Kumar Verma, said a police team was formed to investigate the 'sensational' case. AGRA: Two brothers, Vikki Kumar and Nikhil Kumar , were arrested on Thursday morning following a police encounter in Muzaffarnagar for allegedly murdering a 55-year-old man, Ravindra Singh, in what police say was a revenge killing tied to a long-standing family dispute. According to investigators, Singh had eloped with the accused's mother nearly 20 years ago, an act seen by the family as a severe dishonour. Now in their late 20s, the brothers claimed responsibility for the murder in an Instagram post, saying they had 'finally taken revenge on Ravindra Singh for bringing dishonour to the family two decades ago.' The murder took place on May 19 in Tanda village of Budhana. Singh was shot dead, and his body was dumped approximately 200 metres from the crime scene. SSP Muzaffarnagar, Sanjay Kumar Verma, said a police team was formed to investigate the 'sensational' case. Acting on a tip-off and intelligence inputs, police intercepted the suspects, who were travelling on a motorcycle. 'They opened fire on the police. In retaliation, we fired in self-defence, injuring both,' Verma said. After receiving treatment for their injuries, the brothers were sent to jail on Thursday evening. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo During interrogation, they confessed to the crime. Police recovered the pistol used in the murder, along with a country-made firearm, a .315 bore weapon, a .32 bore pistol, and the motorcycle used in the crime. Legal proceedings have been initiated under Sections 103 and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police also confirmed that the duo has a criminal history, with three prior cases registered against them for assault. This marks their fourth case.
