Clashes erupt in Fatehpur over disputed mazar site, heavy police deployment

Tensions erupted in Abunagar area of Fatehpur on Monday morning after members of Hindu organisations arrived at a disputed site, claimed to be a mazar (mausoleum), and attempted to assert it as a Hindu temple.

The situation escalated when some individuals climbed onto the roof of the structure and hoisted a saffron flag, sparking outrage among the local Muslim community.

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Clashes soon broke out between the two groups, including incidents of stone-pelting. Police reached the spot promptly and dispersed the crowd using lathi charge to bring the situation under control.

Given the sensitive nature of the dispute and the rising tension, a heavy police presence has been deployed, with personnel from Sadar Kotwali, Radha Nagar, Malwan, Husainganj, and Hariyawan police stations stationed in the area.

Senior officials, including DSP Gaurav Sharma, ASP Mahendra Pal Singh, and ADM Avneesh Tripathi, are on the scene to mediate and pacify protesters.

The dispute centres on a structure located in the Sadar Kotwali area, which Hindu groups claim is not a mazar but an ancient temple of Thakur Ji. They allege that the site was encroached upon and later converted into a mausoleum.

Hindu groups had earlier announced their intent to perform religious rituals and clean the site on August 11 in preparation for Janmashtami celebrations.

On Friday, the Math-Mandir Sangharsh Samiti submitted a memorandum to District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, demanding the removal of what they termed “illegal occupants” and the restoration of the site as a temple.

In anticipation of unrest, the DM and SP Anuj Singh had visited the site on Sunday.

By Monday morning, hundreds of members of the Math-Mandir Sangharsh Samiti and other Hindu groups gathered about 50 metres from the disputed structure and began chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. BJP district president Mukhlal Pal and other local leaders were also present.

Authorities remain on high alert, with ongoing efforts to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.