Police steps up security ar Aurangzeb’s grave following VHP calls for its removal
Amid growing calls for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave, authorities in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district have heightened security measures around the site. Visitors are now required to present valid identity documents before being granted entry, an official confirmed on Monday. These measures come in response to protests and rising demands from right-wing groups advocating for the grave’s demolition.
During the day, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a prominent right-wing organization, staged demonstrations at multiple government offices across the state, submitting memorandums urging the removal of Aurangzeb’s final resting place in Khuldabad. These protests were carried out in different cities, including Nagpur and suburban areas of Mumbai, as part of a coordinated effort to pressurize authorities into action.
Aurangzeb remains a controversial historical figure in Maharashtra, primarily due to his long-standing conflict with the Marathas. The Mughal ruler’s expansionist ambitions were met with fierce resistance from the Marathas, particularly from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later his son, Sambhaji Maharaj. Historical records indicate that Sambhaji was captured, tortured, and executed on Aurangzeb’s orders, an act that continues to evoke strong emotions among many in the state.
To prevent any potential unrest, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rural police department has reinforced security around the grave site and its surrounding areas. Officials have established multiple security posts, beginning from the entry point of Khuldabad town leading up to the grave. A significant deployment of law enforcement personnel has been put in place, with a company from the State Reserve Police Force comprising 50 officers, in addition to 30 personnel from the local police department and 20 Home Guards stationed at various checkpoints.
As part of the newly implemented security measures, all visitors to the grave are now required to register their names in a visitor’s logbook maintained by Home Guards. Furthermore, they must provide valid identity documents before being granted access to the site. Authorities have put these steps in place to closely monitor those visiting the grave and to ensure that law and order are maintained.
Parvez Kabeer Ahmed, the caretaker of Aurangzeb’s grave, spoke about the situation, stating that while security has been tightened, the overall environment remains peaceful. He urged people not to fall prey to rumors or misinformation. According to him, visitor footfall has noticeably declined since demands for the grave’s demolition gained momentum.
“The number of visitors is usually lower during the holy month of Ramzan, but this year, the drop is more significant. On average, we receive around 100 visitors per day, but since this issue has been raised, that number has dwindled considerably,” Ahmed said.
The VHP’s memorandum, addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, highlighted several historical grievances associated with Aurangzeb. The memorandum accused the Mughal emperor of persecuting and executing the sons of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh for refusing to convert to Islam. It also cited the destruction of temples in Kashi, Mathura, and Somnath as reasons why any memorial associated with Aurangzeb should not be preserved.
“Aurangzeb’s grave stands as a symbol of oppression, pain, and slavery. It has no place in independent India. The grave should be completely demolished as a step toward correcting historical injustices,” the memorandum stated.
Furthermore, the VHP issued a strong warning to the state government, declaring that if authorities failed to take action, the organization would mobilize its members and march to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district to remove the grave themselves.
In light of the escalating situation, Maharashtra’s law enforcement agencies are on high alert. Government officials and police authorities continue to monitor developments closely, aiming to prevent any communal tensions from escalating. Security measures remain stringent, and any attempts to breach public order will be dealt with firmly, officials have stated.
The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s grave is the latest in a series of debates over historical legacies and the interpretation of India’s past. While some argue that history should be preserved as a testament to all aspects of India’s heritage, others believe that remnants of oppressive rulers should not be honored. As the issue unfolds, authorities are navigating a delicate balance between maintaining law and order and addressing the concerns of various communities.
