Hindu leader tries cleansing 'Tejo Mahalaya' with Gangajal, cow dung after tourists urinates | WATCH

Agra News: In a shocking incident, two youths were found defecating within the premises of the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic monuments in India. Following the event, Hindu leader Gopal Chahar arrived at the site with Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) and cow dung, intending to perform a cleansing ritual. 

Chahar planned to sprinkle the sacred water over the defiled areas and then cover them with cow dung, a traditional practice in some Hindu rituals to purify spaces. He claimed that the act had hurt religious sentiments, referring to the Taj Mahal as "Tejo Mahalaya," a contested belief that the monument was once a Hindu temple. However, police on duty prevented him from proceeding with his plans.

Watch the video here:

Tourists urinate in Taj Mahal gardens

The situation worsened when a video showing tourists urinating in the gardens of the Taj Mahal went viral, leading to widespread outrage. The authorities were quick to act, launching an investigation to determine the origins of the footage and implementing enhanced security measures within the mausoleum complex.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the body responsible for the preservation and security of the Taj Mahal, stated that they are looking into the video to ascertain when it was recorded and by whom it was circulated online. Alongside this investigation, officials have decided to increase the number of security personnel, particularly in the gardens, to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Call for better security measures

Agra ASI Chief RK Patel confirmed that an inquiry is underway. The in-charge of the Taj Mahal has been asked to provide an explanation, and security personnel have been instructed to heighten their vigilance in and around the gardens.

Condemning the act, Deepak Daan, President of the Guide Association, expressed his disbelief that such an incident occurred despite the presence of CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and ASI staff on the premises. "It is shameful that this happened despite there being two functional toilets inside the Taj Mahal complex," Daan remarked.

Vishal Sharma, Secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber, also criticized the CISF and ASI, accusing them of negligence. According to Sharma, this incident highlights the inadequate security measures at the Taj Mahal, which contradicts the authorities' claims of tight surveillance.