Police ban Shriramnavami procession from passing Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Cite law and order concerns as reason

Khultabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) – For the past 25 years, a Ramrath (chariot) procession has been held in Khultabad on Shriramnavami. This year, however, Police prohibited it from passing in front of Aurangzeb’s tomb. The reason given was that ongoing controversy around the tomb could potentially disturb law and order. As a result, this year the procession covered only 1.5 km instead of the usual 2.5 km. Also, instead of lasting the usual 7 hours, it had to conclude in just 4.5 hours.

🚫 Police ban Shriram Navami procession from passing Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Reason? “Law & order concerns.”
But isn’t maintaining law & order their job?

Is Khultabad part of India 🇮🇳 or Pakistan 🇵🇰 ?

If a tomb decides the route today, will… pic.twitter.com/reVWcpmySC

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) April 9, 2025

1. Villagers stated, “The Police decision has broken a 25-year tradition.”

2. This year, the procession was carried out from the Mothi Aali to Lahan Aali under heavy Police security with armed personnel.

3. In previous years, over 10,000 Shriram devotees from 8 nearby villages would participate. This year, the number dropped to around 1,000. Even DJ sound systems were not permitted.

4. The procession began at 7 PM and ended at 11:30 PM. Police had instructed it to be stopped by 9:30 PM, but due to insistence from political leaders and villagers, it continued until 11:30 PM.

Route changed on Police instructions

Due to the controversy around Aurangzeb’s tomb, the Police instructed the procession be held in small numbers. (Would the Police dare issue such instructions to Muslims during their festivals? – Editor). Therefore, the procession route was changed to run from Bhadra Maruti Temple to the Lahan Aali only, as explained by Shri Mitthu Bargal, President of Shri Bhadra Maruti Sansthan.

Decision taken in Peace Committee meeting

Police stated, “Due to the ongoing controversy regarding Aurangzeb’s tomb, villagers themselves took the initiative in the Peace Committee meeting to change the procession’s route. Also, road construction is ongoing in that area.” Senior police officials claimed that no official permission was denied; however, barricades and Police forces were placed on all three roads leading to the tomb.(On one hand, they restrict the procession citing possible unrest, and on the other, they claim the Peace Committee made the decision, isn’t this duplicity by the Police? – Editor)

Editorial Perspectives

Maintaining law and order is precisely why the Police exist. Giving “possible disturbance” as a reason is a way for the Police to shirk their responsibility.

Is Khultabad in India or in Pakistan ? Today, the Police are banning processions in front of a tomb due to fear of unrest. Hindus will not be surprised if tomorrow they ban the entire procession out of fear of religious fanatic Muslims.