AGRA: A century-old Sufi mazaar on Kandhla Road in Muzaffarnagar was demolished allegedly for land-related reasons, leaving the community in shock. The shrine, considered a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, was destroyed on Monday evening, with locals alleging that the act was carried out to clear the land to build a petrol pump on the site.
The demolition of Peer Baba Mazaar came to light after Pavneesh Kumar, a resident of Budhana town, filed a formal complaint. In his statement, Pavneesh accused the landowner, Gulzaruddin, along with Ameer Zia, Aman Ahmed, and 15-20 associates, of demolishing the shrine. The site, located near the vegetable market, was reportedly targeted to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) for establishing the petrol pump.
Police and administrative officials, including SDM of Budhana, visited the site following the complaint. Budhana DSP Gajendra Pal Singh said, “An FIR has been filed under relevant BNS sections of the law, including section 298 (defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class).” SHO Anand Mishra said, “Further investigation is on, and action will be taken based on the findings.”
