‘Shiva puja’ performed, Gangajal offered at ASI-protected Mehtab Bagh near Taj Mahal; FIR filed

According to the complaint, the incident took place on Aug 17. (Image-Social Media)

AGRA: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has lodged a police complaint after a group of unidentified men entered the ASI-protected Mehtab Bagh complex, located north of the Taj Mahal across Yamuna river, and performed religious rituals on the premises.According to officials, the men worshipped Lord Shiva, offered Gangajal, performed aarti and displayed a religious flag while reiterating claims that the Taj Mahal was originally a Shiva temple named ‘Tejo Mahalaya’.The incident came to light after videos depicting the ritual began circulating widely across social media platforms. ACP(Chatta circle) Shweta Verma said a preliminary inquiry indicated that up to three people associated with Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha may have been involved in the incident.Following a complaint by ASI senior conservation assistant Ankit Namdev, an FIR was registered at Etmadduala police station. According to the complaint, the incident took place on Aug 17, when unidentified individuals bypassed regulations at the protected site.“Videos circulating on social media showed unidentified people carrying out activities inside the protected monument, including performing aarti, lighting lamps, and displaying a religious flag,” the complaint stated, noting that the site draws thousands of domestic and international tourists daily, and that such unsanctioned demonstrations risk damaging the monument’s global image.A case was lodged against the unidentified people under Section 30(1) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, BNS Section 223 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.ACP Shweta Verma said authorities suspect the individuals concealed religious material in their pockets to bypass security checks at the entrance. “An inspector-rank police officer has been directed to probe the matter. Necessary action will be taken based on the probe report,” ACP Verma said.