Tensions flared near Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Thursday as members of the Hindutva group Akhil Bharatiya Karni Sena staged protests demanding the removal of alleged encroachments on a 125-year-old Shiva temple in Shamshad Market.
The group, led by state president Gyanendra Chauhan, issued a one-week ultimatum to the district administration to clear the encroachments and restore the temple premises, warning that they would reclaim the site if no action is taken.
The temple, located at Gokula Square in Shamshad Market, is claimed to have been built in 1899 by the ancestors of Abhishek Khandelwal. According to Khandelwal, the site originally included a dharamshala (rest house) and an ancient well, now allegedly fenced off and occupied by others. “My ancestors’ names are inscribed at the site, but devotees can no longer access it, and the well has been covered,” Khandelwal said.
Protests began at 11 a.m. when over 50 Karni Sena workers gathered at Tasveer Mahal crossing and attempted to march toward the temple. Police intercepted the group, preventing further escalation, and escorted them to the office of ACM II Sanjeev Mishra, where they submitted a memorandum demanding action within seven days.
Chauhan, speaking to 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.”
ACM Mishra contacted Additional Municipal Commissioner Veer Singh, who confirmed prior inspections of the issue. Singh stated, “A committee will be formed to investigate the matter, and any encroachments will be addressed accordingly.” Officials added that the tehsil administration is reviewing the land records for Gate Number 342, where the temple is situated, and action will follow the report’s findings.
The district administration, wary of unrest, stationed police personnel around the temple and adjacent areas throughout the day to ensure peace. Protesters also alleged that a municipal official had facilitated the encroachments through “arbitrary interference.”
This incident reflects broader concerns, as Hindu organizations across Uttar Pradesh have recently raised alarms over alleged encroachments on other historic temples in the state.