Burglary at Khanqah of Hazrat Simnani in Kulgam town, Locals blame drug menace

July 8, 2025 by News Desk

Devotees and residents of south Kashmir’s Kulgam town woke up to distressing news on Tuesday after burglars broke into the revered Khanqah of Hazrat Syed Hassan Simnani (RA) and looted cash from the shrine’s donation box.

The incident, which took place during the night, has triggered widespread anger and sorrow among the local community.

CCTV footage, posted by The Kashmiriyat, from the Khanqah shows two unidentified individuals forcibly entering the premises and prying open the donation box before fleeing with the cash.

“This isn’t just a small box. It holds significant contributions from devotees who place immense faith in Hazrat Simnani (RA). It’s heartbreaking. We strongly believe this was the act of drug addicts who frequent the area at night looking for money,” said a local resident, reacting to the desecration.

Worshippers arriving early in the morning found the box broken and emptied, prompting immediate calls for action.

Many described the incident as not just a theft, but a violation of the sanctity of the shrine, which holds deep religious and historical significance in the region.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

A senior police officer said the culprits would be identified soon. “We are reviewing the CCTV footage and are confident of tracing those involved. Such acts will not go unpunished,” he said.

Religious leaders and members of the local civil society have strongly condemned the incident and urged the administration to take decisive steps against the growing drug problem, which they say is fueling such crimes.

“This isn’t the first such incident, and it won’t be the last unless the root cause—drug addiction—is addressed,” said a prominent religious figure. “We need both community vigilance and a serious crackdown by the authorities.”