A video of BJP’s Fatehpur district president Mukhlal Pal performing ‘aarti’ before a mausoleum’s photograph at his residence during Janmashtami celebrations has gone viral on social media, further stirring tensions around the disputed site.
In the clip, Pal is heard saying that as a devout “Sanatani,” he chose to worship the mausoleum’s image at home since he could not reach the site. He urged others to do the same, adding that he was not conducting rituals at the disputed location itself.
The controversy comes days after members of right-wing groups stormed the Fatehpur mausoleum on August 11, vandalizing graves and asserting that the site was originally a Hindu temple. Following the incident, police registered an FIR against 10 named and 150 unnamed individuals.
The matter was raised in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, who questioned why the BJP district chief’s name was not included in the FIR.
Officials said Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant has been tasked with probing the incident and submitting a report. On Saturday, Pant, along with Prayagraj Inspector General of Police Ajay Mishra, visited the site to review the situation with District Magistrate Ravindra Singh and Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar Singh.
