Police arrest two men for offering 'Gangajal' at Taj Mahal; Video sparks stir

New Delhi: Two members of a right-wing group were arrested for allegedly pouring 'Gangajal' at the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday. The men, affiliated with the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, claimed they were offering the holy water at the monument during the month of Sawan, believing the Taj Mahal to be 'Tejo Mahalay,' a Shiva temple.

What are allegations against accused?

The Tajganj Police arrested the individuals after they were caught performing the ritual on the premises of the Taj Mahal. A viral video shows one of the accused pouring water from a plastic bottle onto a closed staircase leading to the basement, where the original graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are located. The men argued that their actions were justified as they considered the Taj Mahal to be a Shiva temple, and they poured the water on a sticker displaying the Om symbol.

The Central Industrial Security Force, responsible for the monument's security, apprehended the men. They had entered the Taj Mahal after purchasing tickets as tourists, who are permitted to bring in water bottles.

Watch the video here:

इन बेवकुफो को कोई समझाओ कीं सावन में गंगा जल शिवलिंग पर चढ़ाया जाता है ना कीं कब्र पर

आगरा :ताजमहल के अंदर कब्र पर अखिल भारत हिन्दू महासभा के कार्यकर्ताओं ने गंगाजल चढ़ाया।#tajmahal pic.twitter.com/6s0vDrc0CO

— Gaurav Yadav (@ygauravyadav) August 3, 2024

Ongoing controversy around Tejo Mahalay

Efforts to rename the Taj Mahal as 'Tejo Mahalay' have been ongoing, with sporadic attempts to conduct religious ceremonies like aarti and puja within its premises. A local court case is underway seeking permission for such religious offerings, particularly during the month of Sawan, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hindutva groups often refer to the Taj Mahal as 'Tejo Mahalay,' challenging its status as a historical monument.

According to Agra City Deputy Commissioner of Police Suraj Rai, two men are currently in custody at the Tajganj police station, and an investigation is ongoing.

Previous incidents

This incident is not the first of its kind. In the past, a woman activist from the same organization attempted to enter the Taj Mahal with water from the Ganga river but was stopped by police. Right-wing activists have also recited the 'Shiv Chalisa' within the Taj Mahal complex during 'Mahashivratri.' Several years ago, members of the Hindu Jagaran Manch, including district president Gaurav Thakur, were arrested for waving saffron flags inside the monument.