Police in Uttar Pradesh are investigating the Shahjahanpur mazaar vandalism incident after unidentified people allegedly burned a chadar and damaged a portion of a shrine in the Sadar Bazar area. The incident ignited tension in the locality on Monday, and police immediately registered an FIR against unknown individuals.
Superintendent of Police Saurabh Dixit told PTI that initial findings point to deliberate damage at the site.
“It appears that someone removed the chadar offered at the mazaar and set it on fire. Besides, the iron mesh surrounding the shrine was found damaged,” SP Saurabh Dixit said.
He also confirmed strict action from the police side. “We have issued strict instructions to the police team to identify and nab the accused at the earliest,” he added.
Police applied Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses acts that damage or defile a place of worship with intent to insult religious sentiments. Investigators also started scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify those involved.
Mohammed Ahmed, the caretaker of the shrine, described the mazaar as a symbol of communal harmony and raised concern over the incident.
“More Hindus than Muslims visit this mazaar. The police visited the spot after the incident. We demand the immediate arrest of the person who broke the iron mesh surrounding the shrine, burnt the chadar, and pelted stones at the structure,” he said.
Local residents expressed concern after the incident disturbed peace in the area. Police assured the public that they will take strict action once they identify the accused.
Madrassa Demolished in Khalilabad
The case comes at a sensitive time, as authorities also move forward with action against an alleged illegal madrassa in Khalilabad.
Officials began proceedings at the madrassa in the Meat Mandi area after they rejected an appeal filed by the madrassa committee against the demolition notice.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Hriday Ram Tiwari said authorities followed due process before taking action. Administrative reports state that builders constructed the madrassa without approval and placed it on land that now belongs to the government.
Authorities continue investigations and maintain law and order in both matters.
