UP: Tensions Flare at Fatehpur Mausoleum Site as Hindu Women Perform Puja.

Women clash with police over puja attempt at disputed mausoleum erected on ‘Hindu temple site’ in UP’s Fatehpur.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Fatehpur | Nov 6, 2025:: A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district on Wednesday evening, as a group of around 20-25 women attempted to perform puja at the disputed Maangi mausoleum site in the Abunagar area. The women, carrying diyas and prayer materials, approached the barricades erected by police, sparking a heated argument with authorities. The women performed puja from behind the barricade, singing devotional songs  on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, as seen in a video that went viral.

According to eyewitnesses, the women tried to push through the barricades, prompting police to restrain them. The situation escalated when Station House Officer Tarkeshwar Rai got into a heated exchange with the women, who accused the police of preventing them from offering their prayers.

Despite the police barricade, the women eventually performed their prayers and aarti from a nearby lane, facing the mausoleum structure. The incident has sparked tensions in the area, with authorities registering a case against 20 unidentified women, including the wife of local resident Pappu Singh Chauhan.

The FIR, lodged on the complaint of Constable Manju Singh, alleges that the group of women used objectionable language and threatened police with false accusations. The police have not made any arrests so far.

A case has been registered at the Kotwali police station under Sections 121(1) (obstructing or assaulting a public servant in discharge of duty), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 352 (use of criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the ASP said.

The Maangi mausoleum site has been a contentious issue since August 11 this year, when Hindu organizations claimed it was a temple dedicated to ‘Thakur Ji’ and demanded permission to perform prayers. The Hindus of the locality claimed that the disputed mausoleum was erected on razed temple sites, the remains of which are still found in the mausoleum’s walls and basement. They alleged that the mausoleum of Nawab Abu Samad popularly known as Maangi mausoleum was constructed after demolishing an ancient temple.The district administration sealed the premises and imposed restrictions after videos showed vandalism and hoisting of a saffron flag at the site, triggering communal tension.

BJP district president Mukhlal Pal had earlier warned that he and members of Hindu organizations would perform prayers at the site, citing carvings of a trident and lotus inside the structure as evidence of its Hindu origins. With the matter sub judice, officials have issued strict orders to prevent any activity that could disturb public order.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the site, and authorities are working to maintain peace and order in the area.
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_Inputs from PTI.