'Shiva puja' performed at ASI-protected Mehtab Bagh near Taj Mahal
The Archaeological Survey of India has lodged a police complaint following a religious ceremony conducted by unidentified individuals at the Mehtab Bagh complex, which is situated north of the Taj Mahal. Footage captured the participants worshipping Lord Shiva and displaying a religious flag. Authorities have pointed fingers at suspected members of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha. An FIR has…
Agara: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) filed a police complaint following a group of unknown men who entered the protected Mehtab Bagh site, situated north of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna river, and performed a puja to Lord Shiva. The men offered Gangajal, conducted aarti, and displayed a religious flag, claiming the Taj Mahal was once a Shiva temple called Tejo Mahalaya.
The incident came to light after videos of the ritual went viral on social media. ACP Shweta Verma of Chatta circle stated that a preliminary inquiry suggested up to three individuals linked to the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha may be involved. An FIR was registered at the Etmadduala police station after Ankit Namdev, a senior conservation assistant at ASI, lodged a complaint.
The unauthorized entry on August 17 saw the men circumventing regulations at the protected site. The incident risks damaging the monument's image among thousands of daily domestic and international tourists. The authorities suspect the suspects concealed religious items in their pockets to evade security checks. An inspector-rank police officer has been assigned to investigate the matter, and appropriate action will be taken post the probe report.
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