Muslim builder razed ancient temples and constructed a building over them in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

• All apartments in the building owned by Muslims

• Chief Minister orders an enquiry

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) – Ancient temples located opposite the Mewati village well in the Danilimda ward in Ahmedabad have been demolished. It is alleged that an illegal building was constructed on the site of these ancient temples by a Muslim real-estate developer. Muslim families are residing in all the apartments in this building. It is also reported that shops selling non-vegetarian food operate in front of these apartments. Local Hindu citizens lodged complaints regarding this matter with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the District Collector’s office; however, no concrete action was taken. Subsequently, after a complaint was submitted to the Chief Minister, an order for an enquiry has been issued.

Allegation of permission granted for construction in a disturbed area

Local residents allege that this area falls under the purview of the Disturbed Areas Act. Despite this, permission was allegedly granted to construct residential apartments for Muslims on the site of ancient temples. It is stated that two ancient temples were demolished to build these apartments. One temple still exists in the area, and Muslim families are residing in a building constructed over it.

Chief Minister orders an enquiry

A complaint related to this dispute was recently submitted in Gandhinagar. Taking cognisance of the matter, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered an enquiry. He assured local Hindu citizens that the Government would take immediate action and demolish the illegal construction to free the temple.

Questions raised over permission granted in 2016

It has also come to light that in 2016, the municipal corporation granted permission to construct apartments over the upper portion of the ancient Shree Jogani Mata Temple. A builder named Sakir Ahmed had submitted the building plan to the municipal corporation, which was approved. Local Hindu citizens strongly opposed this at the time; however, no action was taken then. (Action must be taken against the officials concerned in the administration. – Editor)

Struggle ongoing for several years

The illegally constructed building has reportedly been named ‘Kabir Heights’. Muslim families reside in all the apartments in this building. A local resident stated that the Chief Minister issued orders keeping public sentiment in mind.

“We have been fighting against this illegal building constructed over the temple for many years. Despite repeated complaints and representations, no resolution had been achieved until now.”

Editorial Perspective

How can the administration continue to function in a manner detrimental to Hindus when Gujarat has had a BJP government for many years? This is not what Hindus expect.