Mathura idols buried under Agra mosque, claims fresh suit
The Hindu
Claiming that the idols continue to be buried under the staircase of the Begum Sahiba Mosque in Agra, the suit seeks that visitors be stopped from entering the mosque by “trampling on the idols”
In the ongoing Shahi Idgah Masjid-Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute in Mathura, a fresh civil suit was filed on Friday, seeking that members of the public be stopped from visiting the Begum Sahiba Masjid near the Agra Red Fort’s Deewan-e-Khas.
The suit claimed that “jewel-studded idols” from Mathura’s Keshav Dev temple were buried under the staircase of the Agra mosque by Mughal emperor Aurangazeb when he allegedly destroyed the temple.
Advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, one of the first plaintiffs in the dispute, has filed this fresh suit before the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Mathura. The suit has arrayed the Union of India, the Director-General of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), and ASI officials in Mathura and Agra as defendants.
Mr. Singh told The Hindu that the court on Friday directed the plaintiffs to serve a legal notice to the defendants under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which mandates that 60 days’ time be given to the defendants to respond to the notice. “The court asked us to serve them the notice and then come back to it,” Mr. Singh said.
Claiming that the idols continue to be buried under the staircase of the Begum Sahiba Mosque in Agra, the suit seeks that visitors be stopped from entering the mosque by “trampling on the idols”. Moreover, the suit has sought directions to the relevant authorities for these claimed idols to be excavated from the Agra mosque site and returned to the temple authorities in Mathura.
In Mathura, more than half a dozen civil suits have been filed, seeking ownership of the land on which the Shahi Idgah Mosque is built, on behalf of Lord Krishna, claiming that he was born at the site. The suits also claim that there are symbols in the mosque premises that prove that a temple predated the mosque at the site.
In addition to Mr. Singh’s suit, which is being heard currently, another suit, that of Advocate Ranjana Agnihotri, has also been admitted.
CPI-M accepts DMK's five-seat offer for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, prioritizing INDIA bloc unity over seat demands.
Ricky Rai, son of former underworld operative Muthappa Rai, on Monday appeared before the Bengaluru Traffic Police for questioning in connection with a case involving a Lamborghini performing dangerous stunts at Anil Kumble Circle on March 21.
The Dispur election heats up as 'CongBJP' defections shape a high-stakes contest between veteran candidates from BJP and Congress.
Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium conducts readiness drill ahead of IPL 2026, ensuring upgrades and technical preparations are complete.
First-level randomisation of EVMs completed in Nagapattinam for upcoming elections, ensuring transparency and security.
A district-level committee in Krishnagiri has been formed to assess and verify seizure claims of goods and cash.
Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy pledges government support for local fishermen and farmers facing challenges in Andhra Pradesh.
MP M. Sribharat urges collective efforts to revive Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, highlighting key reforms for crucial recovery and growth.
141 candidates have filed nominations for Kozhikode's Assembly elections, with scrutiny on March 24 and campaigning intensifying.
BJP's Vijayendra accuses Congress of using money to influence Bagalkot bypolls, urging voters to reject their tactics.
First randomization of electronic voting machines completed in Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts for upcoming Assembly elections.
RPF seizes 10.12 kg of unclaimed cannabis worth ₹5.06 lakh from a train in Mangaluru.
Kolar's groundwater levels rise to 50-100 ft due to the K.C. Valley project, ensuring clean water and improved health outcomes.