A Muslim holds control of an old Shiva temple in basement of a commercial complex in Lucknow, UP

No action taken despite multiple complaints over many years

Shiva Temple (Left), Basement (Right) (Credits : Aaj Tak)

Lucknow (UP) – An old Shiva temple, located in the basement of a commercial complex near Rana Pratap Chowk on the Vidhan Sabha Road in Lucknow, is alleged to have been taken over by a Muslim. The temple has been hidden in the basement for the last 30 years, and despite multiple complaints, the administration and Government have not taken any action. In connection with this matter, members of the ‘Gajraj Singh Temple Trust’ met with the Commissioner of Lucknow, Roshan Jacob. Following this, the Commissioner took note of the issue and forwarded the case to the District Magistrate.

The Hindu side claims that the temple dates back to 1885. It was built on the land owned by the late Gajraj Singh from his own earnings. In 1906, a registered will was made, and a ‘Thakurdwar’ and Shiva temple were constructed on the site. In 1918, Dwarka Prasad Dixit was appointed as the priest, and it was promised that ‘his descendants would continue to worship here’. Ramkrishna Dixit, a descendant, was performing the rituals when in 1993-94, a political leader connected to a political party, Dr Shahid, took control of the temple and, in an unlawful manner, constructed a building and a commercial complex on the land.

Credits : Aaj Tak

According to Hindus, on 14th August 1994, the temple committee filed a complaint at the Qaiserbagh Police Station. It was reported that the temple complex had been vandalised, and the Ashtadhatu (made of eight metals) Radha Krishna idols, gold jewelry, and other valuables were stolen. However, the Police did not take any action at that time. The temple committee members also wrote letters to the Chief Minister and Governor, complaining to the then District Magistrate, but no hearing or action followed.