KGMU Orders Removal of Five Shrines Amid Rising Tensions and Allegations of Campus Misuse
King George’s Medical University, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most prestigious medical institutions, has found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy following its decision to initiate the removal of five mazars (shrines) located within its campus.
The move comes at a time when the university is already under public scrutiny over the recent arrest of a doctor on allegations of religious conversion.
It claims that a so-called “love jihad” network was being operated from the campus—allegations that have triggered intense debate and political reactions.
On Friday, the KGMU administration issued formal notices to the managements of the five mazars, terming them “unauthorised constructions” and directing that they be removed within 15 days of receipt of the notice.
The university has warned that failure to comply would invite further legal and administrative action, including forcible removal of the structures.
University Cites Encroachment and Safety Concerns
According to the university administration, the shrines were constructed without valid permission or official sanction and are allegedly situated on encroached public land belonging to the university.
Officials maintained that, under the law, any religious, commercial, or unauthorised structure within the campus amounts to illegal occupation of public property.
The administration further argued that the presence of these mazars has resulted in frequent and what it described as unnecessary activity inside the university premises.
These gatherings, officials claimed, obstruct free movement, disturb the academic and medical atmosphere, and adversely affect sanitation and security arrangements.
Serious concerns were also raised about patient safety, emergency services, and the security of women employees, resident doctors, and students.
According to officials, congestion near sensitive zones such as hospital buildings and trauma facilities could potentially hinder ambulance movement and emergency medical response.
Notices Pasted, Custodians ‘Unknown’
Responding to queries, KGMU spokesperson Professor K K Singh said the university was not aware of the management committees or custodians responsible for the mazars.
“Since we do not have details of the caretakers, detailed notices were pasted on the walls of the shrines,” Singh said.
He added that if the directions mentioned in the notices are not complied with within the stipulated 15-day period, the university would determine its next course of action.
Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for land acquisition at KGMU, revealed that a total of eight mazars exist on the campus, out of which three have already been removed over the past one-and-a-half years.
The five mazars that have now been issued notices are located behind Building No. 2 of the Department of Microbiology, near the Trauma Centre, close to the new orthopaedic building, and near the Respiratory Medicine department.
The administration stressed that the entire exercise is being conducted strictly in accordance with guidelines and directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding the removal of unauthorised religious structures from public land.
Religious Bodies Push Back Strongly
The move has sparked sharp reactions from religious leaders and organisations associated with the shrines. The General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, Maulana Yasoob Abbas, strongly rejected the university’s claims.
He dismissed allegations that the mazars cause traffic disruptions or block ambulance routes.
“The entire district remains jammed due to poor traffic management. Blaming Mazars for congestion is merely an excuse to target them,” he said.
Terming the notices unjustified, Maulana Abbas said he would approach the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and the state government, urging them to intervene and direct the authorities to withdraw the notices.
Caretakers and Clerics Question Selective Action
Mohammad Shakeel, who claims to be managing one of the mazars served with a notice, asserted that the shrine predates the establishment of KGMU itself. He accused the university administration of unnecessarily escalating the issue.
“They should first remove the small shops operating illegally inside and outside the KGMU campus. Instead, the administration is selectively targeting mosques, where people only come to offer prayers and seek peace,” Shakeel said.
Echoing similar concerns, prominent Sunni cleric and member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, said the shrines have existed since before Independence and described the notices as unfair and unjustified.
He emphasised that people from all communities visit the mazars and suggested that if the university has concerns, it should initiate dialogue with stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably rather than resorting to unilateral action.
He also demanded that the notices be withdrawn.
As the 15-day deadline approaches, the issue has heightened tensions on and around the KGMU campus, setting the stage for a possible confrontation between the administration and religious groups unless a negotiated resolution is reached.
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