VIDEO: Hindu Mahasabha Members Chant 'Har Har Mahadev', Offer 'Ganga Jal' at Taj Mahal, Arrested
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: In a surprising turn of events, two members of the Hindu Mahasabha were arrested on Saturday for allegedly performing a ritual inside the Taj Mahal. The incident involved the duo bringing 'Ganga Jal' (holy water from the Ganges) into the historical monument and chanting 'Har-Har Mahadev' as they performed a Jalabhishek ritual.
The Hindu Mahasabha officials and activists entered the Taj Mahal carrying a bottle of 'Ganga Jal'. They then proceeded to pour the water near the tomb inside the monument, chanting religious slogans. The entire act was captured on video by the individuals themselves, which was later circulated on social media platforms.
Viral Video and Immediate Arrest
Following the viral spread of the video, authorities quickly apprehended the two individuals involved. According to the police, the confirmation of whether the water was actually poured near the tomb is still under investigation. The incident has sparked a significant reaction from both the public and the administration.
Reports indicate that the two men involved were Vinesh Chaudhary, the district president of the Hindu Mahasabha in Mathura, and another man named Shyam. They reportedly carried a one-liter bottle of 'Ganga Jal' into the Taj Mahal and performed the ritual near the tomb. Their actions have caused a stir within the administrative circles, prompting a thorough investigation.
Security and Administrative Response
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for the security of the Taj Mahal, detained the two men and handed them over to the Tajganj police station. DCP Agra City Suraj Rai stated that while the men did make a video, the actual pouring of 'Ganga Jal' has not been confirmed. The investigation is ongoing, and no formal complaint (tahri) has yet been filed regarding the incident.
Official Statement
The detained individuals claimed that the Taj Mahal is the ancient Tejo Mahalaya Shiva Temple, which justified their ritual. This claim, along with the security breach, has led to heightened scrutiny and a call for a more stringent security protocol at the heritage site.
Kerala's CM Pinarayi Vijayan took to social media to appreciate the bravery of the forest officers involved in the rescue operation, stating, "The spirit of our brave forest officers in Wayanad reminds us that even in times of crisis, Kerala's resilience shines through. We will rebuild together and emerge stronger."
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges at one of India's most iconic monuments and raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures in place. The local authorities are working to ensure that such breaches do not happen in the future.