200-year-old Shiva temple illegally encroached by Muslim political leader, Shivling uprooted and thrown into a well

Case Summary
In Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, allegations of illegal encroachment on a 200-year-old Shri Jageshwar Nath Shiva temple by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Kaish Khan sparked controversy. Former BJP MP Subrat Pathak, along with local MLA Kailash Rajput and others, said that a Shivling was uprooted and thrown into a well, with a three-storey structure erected on the temple's land. Pathak said that the act was a direct attack on Hindu sentiments and demanded action from District Magistrate (DM) Shubhrant Kumar Shukla, who assured a thorough investigation. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also voiced concerns, urging the removal of encroachments and restoration of the temple. Pathak warned of protests if the administration failed to act. Meanwhile, SP leader Kaish Khan denied the allegations, asserting that he had legally purchased the land and accusing the BJP of stirring tensions. BJP leaders further stated that SDM Sadar Ramkesh colluded with Khan, though the SDM dismissed the accusations as false. DM Shubhrant Kumar Shukla assigned ADM Ashish Kumar to investigate.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the category of- Attack on Hindu religious representations. Under this, the first sub-category selected is- desecration of Hindu religious symbol. Icons and symbols or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal are widely revered in Hinduism. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Since these Hindu religious symbols hold paramount importance in Hinduism, any desecration of symbols, icons, murtis, religious representations and manifestations, is driven by animosity towards the faith itself which manifests itself through these murtis, icons and symbols. Therefore, any desecration of these Hindu religious symbols and representations is considered religiously motivated hate crimes under this category. The second sub-category selected 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. In this case, the temple land was illegally encroached upon and the Shivling was desecrated. The uprooting and disposal of the Shivling, a central object of veneration in Hinduism, constitutes a grave insult to Hindu religious beliefs. This act not only desecrates a sacred site but also undermines the cultural and spiritual significance associated with it. Moreover, the alleged encroachment of temple land represents a broader attempt to diminish the religious identity tied to the temple and its community. The act of erecting a structure on the temple's land, coupled with the desecration of the Shivling, is perceived as intentional provocations aimed at demeaning Hindu sentiments and undermining their faith. Such actions, which undermine Hindu religious practices and heritage, are clear indicators of hostility toward the Hindu community, making it a targeted attack on their faith and this is why this case qualifies to be included in the tracker.

Case Status
Complaint filed

Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
male