‘Temples’ found in Firozabad, excavation underway

On Wednesday, authorities in the city began excavation at two locations following the alleged discovery of “ancient temples” there.  The digging was being done out under police supervision in response to Hindu rights organizations’ requests.

One of the two places, near Mohammadi Masjid in the Kashmiri Gate area of Rasulpur officials Station, was discovered two days ago, officials added. Police contacted local Muslim leaders after Hindu rights organizations approached them about taking action at the location.

According to Rasulpur Station Officer Anuj Kumar Singh, “Following appeals from Hindu organisations, both communities were consulted, and work began peacefully.” Mohan Bajrangi, the Bajrang Dal district head who was present at the site, stated that the construction seemed to be a Shiv temple.

“Details about the idols and artifacts will emerge after the excavation is completed,” he told me.
According to Akeel Ahmed, a local of the neighborhood, the area was once part of Hindu family agriculture.

It is said that some Hindu households departed the area as the Muslim population grew.
On Monday evening, another “temple” was located in the 60-foot Road area of Chishti Nagar, under the jurisdiction of Ramgarh Police Station. Rajeev Sharma, president of the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s Firozabad section, and his staff cleaned the area in front of the police and local Muslims .  According to Sanjeev Dubey, roughly 50 years ago, the region was dominated by Hindus and had a temple.

“Now this area is Muslim dominated. The excavation work is on and there is communal harmony in the area,” he said.