Security has been stepped up at the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Police increased security and surveillance at Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldaba in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district as right-wing organisations protested in Pune, Kolhapur, and Ahilyanagar, calling for removal of the structure. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against those who glorify the ideas of Aurangzeb.
The Directorate of Archaeology & Museums is reviewing security. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district police have deployed more personnel. Police stated that 33 personnel, including three officers and a few home guards have been deployed. This was after protesters submitted a memorandum to the collector.
On Monday (March 17, 2025), the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demonstrated in various districts across the State, including in Pune, Kolhapur, Nashik, Malegaon, Nagpur, and Ahilyanagar. During the protest in Kolhapur, the VHP destroyed a mock tomb, while the Bajrang Dal in Pune demonstrated with a hammer and slogans of “Jai Shri Ram.”
The Aurangzeb controversy was triggered after Samajwadi Party MP Abu Azmi praised the Mughal emperor. On March 7, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Udayanraje Bhosale, demanded the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb, which escalated the matter, and protestors have begun demanding its removal.
‘No glorification’
Aurangzeb’s tomb is managed as a ‘Monument of National Importance’ by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), one of the reasons that the State Government cannot remove it. During the inauguration of the first Shivaji Maharaj temple on Monday, Devendra Fadnavis said it was “unfortunate” that the State had to protect and care for the tomb of Aurangzeb, a person who killed thousands of people. “It is protected by the ASI, so we have to abide by the law; however, I assure you only Shivaji Maharaj will be glorified. I will not allow glorification or ennoblement of Aurangzeb, asserted Mr. Fadnavis.
“Chalo Sambhajinagar”
In the memorandum, referring to Mr. Fadnavis, the VHP mentioned that any memorial to Aurangzeb is a symbol of pain, slavery, and atrocities against the people and leaders of India. “Having his memorial in India is an endorsement of his injustices; the grave should be properly removed, or we will organise karseva under the slogan Chalo Sambhajinagar,” read the letter.
“No one is as tolerant as a Hindu. We won’t allow people who stand with Aurangzeb to live. We will band together as karsevaks and travel to the site. We are giving the government time to make a move,” said one of the VHP protesters in Nagpur.
“Our karsevaks did the needful in the Babri Masjid matter. We did not sit and talk to each other when the masjid was brought down,” said BJP minister Nitesh Rane, while speaking to a crowd at Shivneri Fort in Pune district. “We don’t want the memory of Aurangzeb; this is the feeling of the Hindu community. We don’t want this dirt here,” he added.
“Destroy Red Fort”
The Opposition has mocked the BJP-led government. “The Government is run by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Bajrang Dal and VHP are all the RSS’ babies. So, instead of spoiling the atmosphere and disturbing people, why not issue a notification and remove the grave? Who is stopping Mr. Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi?” asked Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.
NCP-SP leader and Kalwa legislator Jitendra Awhad said the Red Fort should also be destroyed as it is the biggest symbol of the Mughal empire.
Published – March 17, 2025 10:21 pm IST
