Fatehpur: Tensions flared in the Abunagar area of UP's Fatehpur on Monday morning after members of Hindu organizations 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, triggering outrage from the local Muslim community.
Following the incident, clashes broke out, including stone-pelting, between the two groups. Police forces arrived promptly and dispersed the crowd using lathicharge to control the situation. Due to the sensitive nature of the dispute and the growing unrest, heavy police deployment has been made, including personnel from Sadar Kotwali, Radha Nagar, Malwan, Husainganj, and Hariyawan police stations.
Senior officials, including DSP Gaurav Sharma, ASP Mahendra Pal Singh, and ADM Avneesh Tripathi are on the scene, attempting to mediate and pacify the protesters.
The dispute centres around a structure located in the Sadar Kotwali area, which Hindu groups claim is not a mazar but an ancient temple of Thakur Ji. According to them, the site was allegedly encroached upon and converted into a mausoleum. Hindu groups had earlier announced their intent to conduct religious rituals and also to clean the site on August 11, so that they could celebrate Janmashtami.
On Friday, the Math-Mandir Sangharsh Samiti submitted a memorandum to District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, demanding the removal of what they termed as "illegal occupants" and restoration of the site as a temple. In anticipation of potential unrest, the DM and SP Anuj Singh had visited the site on Sunday.
On Monday morning, scores of members from the Math-Mandir Sangharsh Samiti and other Hindu groups gathered about 50 meters from the disputed structure and began chanting Hanuman Chalisa. BJP district president Mukhlal Pal and other local leaders were also present.
