Tensions simmered near Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Thursday as leaders of the Hindutva organization, Akhil Bharatiya Karni Sena, staged protests demanding the removal of alleged encroachments on a 125-year-old Shiva temple at Shamshad Market.
The group issued a week-long ultimatum to the district administration to restore the temple and its premises, threatening to take possession if no action is taken.
The alleged temple at Gokula Square in Shamshad Market came into focus after Hindu activists claimed it was constructed in 1899 by Abhishek Khandelwal’s ancestors, along with a dharamshala (rest house) and an ancient well, which are now allegedly encroached upon.
The protests began around 11 a.m. on Thursday, when over 50 Karni Sena workers, led by state president Gyanendra Chauhan, gathered at Tasveer Mahal crossing and attempted to march toward the temple. Police personnel from Civil Lines police station intercepted the group and tried to prevent them from proceeding further.
The protesters were subsequently taken to ACM II Sanjeev Mishra’s office, where they submitted a memorandum demanding action within seven days. Chauhan, addressing the media, said, “We have given the administration a week to remove all encroachments around the temple. If no action is taken, we will reclaim the temple ourselves.”
Abhishek Khandelwal, claiming his family built the temple, accused members of other communities of occupying 460 yards of land, including a dharamshala and a well, and fencing off the premises. “Although my ancestors’ names are inscribed at the site, devotees can no longer access it, and the well has been covered,” he said.
Responding to the situation, ACM Sanjeev Mishra contacted Additional Municipal Commissioner Veer Singh, who confirmed that the issue had been previously inspected. “A committee will be formed to investigate the matter, and any encroachments will be addressed accordingly,” Singh assured.
The municipal officials, according to local media reports, said the tehsil administration has been instructed to review the land records of Gate Number 342, where the temple is located. “We will take action once the report is submitted,” Singh added.
The district administration, anticipating unrest, deployed police personnel around the temple and nearby areas. Authorities reportedly maintained a presence throughout the day near the campus area to prevent any untoward incidents.
During discussions with ACM Mishra, the protesters accused a municipal official of facilitating the alleged encroachments through “arbitrary interference.”
The incident is not isolated. In recent months, Hindu organizations in Uttar Pradesh have raised concerns over similar alleged encroachments on other historical temples across the state.
