Fatehpur: Tensions erupted in Fatehpur on Monday, August 11, after members of several Hindu outfits stormed a disputed site in Abu Nagar’s Rediya area, claiming that a centuries-old temple had been turned into a tomb.
According to local authorities, the contested structure — listed in official land records under Khasra No. 753 as Maqbara Mangi and recognised as national property — became the centre of a high-voltage confrontation after the Math Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti and allied groups, including the BJP, alleged it was originally a temple dedicated to Thakurji and Lord Shiva.
Viral clips from the spot showed saffron flags being waved and loud chants of “Jai Shree Ram” echoing outside the tomb. BJP Fatehpur District President Mukhlal Pal, who spearheaded the agitation, claimed the building bears lotus carvings, a trident symbol, and other features that, in his words, “prove it was a Hindu temple.” He declared, “We Sanatan Hindus will not tolerate this. On August 11, we will offer prayers at the temple at any cost,” warning the administration against obstructing worship.
The movement drew support from other groups. Bajrang Dal district co-convenor Dharmendra Singh vowed that rituals would take place “no matter what,” while VHP state vice president Virendra Pandey insisted the site belonged to Lord Bholenath and Shri Krishna, pointing to the presence of a Parikrama Marg and a traditional temple well. Pandey demanded the place be cleaned ahead of Janmashtami on August 16, accusing authorities of ignoring earlier complaints.
In response, the district administration deployed heavy police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) contingents, barricading the area to prevent escalation. With a pooja still planned and tempers running high, officials fear that any misstep could ignite a wider communal flashpoint in the district.
