NEW DELHI: Members of radical Hindu group vandalized the gate of the Taj Mahal saying that the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is blocking the way to a 400-year-old Shiva temple while constructing a closed area for the Taj Mahal.
Video footage of the incident has also surfaced, showing members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) attacking the site.
VHP workers carrying hammers and iron rods came to vandalise the western entrance of the Taj Mahal even as they removed the turnstile gate. The right-wing activists were also raising slogans against the authorities. However, police said there’s an optional path to the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, but the right-wing members weren’t satisfied with the explanation.
Meanwhile, after the ASI lodged a complaint, an FIR was registered on the same day against five members of the VHP and the 20-25 of their unidentified associates for rioting, assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty and under the section 7 of Criminal Law Amendment Act and section of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
VHP Brij Prant Vishesh Sampark Pramukh Ravi Dubey said they took this step as the ASI is removing all things related to the Hindu culture in and around the UNESCO World Heritage monument.
