After tomb turned to temple, Delhi government orders probe

By Shalini Ojha

May 05, 2018

10:44 am

What's the story

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has ordered probe after a 15th-century tomb was turned into a temple in Safdarjung's Humayunpur. In a letter to the Delhi government's Art, Culture and Language (ACL) Department, Sisodia said the incident should be handled with zero tolerance as along with damaging heritage, it was a blatant attempt to disturb peace and harmony in the area.

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Manish Sisodia reminds State Archaeology department of its responsibilities

"It is the duty of the State Archaeology department to ensure the protection of heritage monuments listed under them and take strict action in case of a lapse," wrote Manish Sisodia in the letter. He asked the secretary of ACL department, Manish Saxena, for a detailed report.

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Idols placed, tomb colored saffron: What happened in Safdarjung

The residents of the locality were in for a shock when the tomb, was painted white and saffron; and idols placed inside it, in March. The Delhi chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was tasked with the restoration of the monument, a year ago. Painting, drawing or whitewashing any monument violates the Citizen Charter of the Department of Archaeology.

Twitter Post

Twitter abuzz with reactions after tomb turned to temple

The danger of communalism that most people are still unwilling to acknowledge. Here in the national capital, a Tughlaq-era tomb, a protected monument, had its locks broken, idols planted inside, given a saffron and white paint, and declared a temple. https://t.co/DlJGZk4Dh3

— Manimugdha Sharma (@quizzicalguy) May 4, 2018

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INTACH says when they reached site they faced few problems

Vikas Maloo, Head of Office (Department of Archaeology) said when INTACH and the department officials reached the site, they ran into some problems with the residents. He said they approached police seeking help in March and were told police officers cannot be deployed due to the sealing drive. He claimed he wrote a letter to DCP (South) in this connection.

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Police says they received letter, but department didn't explain much

DCP (South) Romil Baaniya reiterated Maloo's claim saying they received the letter. "But they never approached us when exactly they needed assistance. So far, we have not got any information on the future steps but whenever it comes, we will provide due assistance," he added.