Muslims illegally encroach historical land, slaughter animals and damage temples at Vishalgad Fort
Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India 
6 July, 2024
Case Summary
Vishalgadh Fort, located in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, is a significant historical site where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sought refuge after escaping from the Adilshahi army in 1660. The fort, which has deep roots in Maratha history, has recently become the centre of a controversy involving illegal encroachments, particularly by the Muslim community. These encroachments reportedly include unauthorised expansions of the Malik Rehan Baba Dargah, a nearby Masjid, and other structures that have altered the fort’s landscape. Protests have been organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj, with support from Chattrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and activist Shirish More. These protests began on July 7, with demands for the removal of illegal constructions and a restoration of the fort’s original Hindu heritage. The protesters stated that illegal sheds, shops, and structures, largely belonging to the Muslim community, have expanded across the fort without government or Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) approval, violating the fort's status as an archaeological site. According to government documents, approximately 58,000 square feet of the fort have been encroached upon, primarily around the Malik Rehan Baba Dargah and Masjid. While the Dargah has been well-maintained and expanded over the years, the Hindu temples, many dating back to the 17th century, have been neglected. Protesters argue that this disparity reflects a disregard for the Hindu cultural and religious legacy of the fort. The Hindu organisations also accuse the Muslim residents of operating illegal businesses, including chicken and cattle slaughter shops, further violating the sanctity of the historic site. These businesses, they claim, have contributed to the erosion of the fort's cultural and historical significance. Additionally, Muslim community members have set up illegal stalls around the Dargah selling religious items like Chunri (religious cloth), incense sticks, and flowers. Hindus visiting Vishalgadh Fort have expressed concerns that religious items related to their faith, such as photographs of Goddess Lakshmi for Diwali and Lord Ganpati for the Ganesh festival, are not available on the fort. In contrast, all religious items required by Muslims for their festivals are readily accessible. The Archeology Department and local authorities have yet to take decisive action to address these concerns, despite protests and calls for the fort’s restoration.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been included in the hate tracker under the prime category 'Attack on Hindu religious symbols'. Under this category, the sub-category selected, as per details of the case is- Encroachment or illicit takeover of temple land/land near temple- In Hinduism, a temple is the abode of the Deity. The Deity in the Temple is consecrated, thereby, making it a real, breathing entity. Hindus believe that not just the Deity but the temple premises itself are sacred to Hindus since Hindus hold the faith that the entire Temple space is an amalgamation of the divine energy of the deity. Not only the Temple but the Temple premises in its entirety are considered sacred by Hindus. In several cases, the premises of the Temple and/or religious centre are illicitly taken over by institutions belonging to other faiths – like the Waqf board or the Church. Other times, the temple property, land or the property of religious centres are illicitly encroached by non-Hindu groups. Any illicit take over or encroachment is a crime an initio, however, when non-Hindu groups illicitly take over or encroach the sacred land of Hindus, it is an affront to the Hindu community and is therefore classified as a religiously motivated hate crime under this category. Hindus in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra protested against the illegal encroachment of Vishalgad Fort, a site famously associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj is revered as a protector of Hindu culture and religion during a time when the Indian subcontinent was under the oppressive rule of the Mughals. He established a Hindu kingdom and worked tirelessly to revive and safeguard Hindu traditions, temples, and customs, earning him the status of a savior who defended Hindu practices from potential suppression. This fort is historically significant as the place where Shivaji Maharaj arrived after escaping from the Bijapur army, led by General Siddi Masood, who sought to kill him. Hindu devotees of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj organized a protest against the illegal encroachments on the fort, which they believe demean its history and insult the Hindu legacy. The case details reveal that the population residing on Vishalgad Fort, predominantly Muslim, has been involved in illegal encroachments, including the construction and expansion of a mosque. Additionally, there has been a longstanding practice of building illegal sheds and expanding businesses related to chicken and cattle slaughter. Originally, there were 55 ancient temples on Vishalgad Fort, but today, only 20 to 24 Hindu structures and temples remain, albeit in dire condition, with the rest having become extinct. This illicit takeover of a site sacred to Hindus is seen as an affront to the Hindu community and has therefore been classified as a religiously motivated hate crime.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
