Maharashtra police tighten security at Aurangzeb's tomb amid demolition threats
What's the story
Following threats from right-wing groups demanding the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb, and incendiary political comments, Maharashtra police have increased security at the site.
The tomb is situated in Khultabad, about 30km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city. However, local authorities don't consider it an imminent threat.
Barricades have been placed at two "chowks" toward the tomb to check the movement of traffic going toward it.
Security measures
SRPF deployed for round-the-clock vigil
Khultabad police station inspector Dhananjay Pharate confirmed that direct access to the tomb has been restricted for several days, and will continue to remain so until further orders.
A platoon of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) is also deployed in the area of the tomb for round-the-clock surveillance, he added.
Six policemen are permanently posted at the site to secure it.
Political dispute
Political factions clash over Aurangzeb's tomb
Aurangzeb's tomb has become the center of a political controversy between two factions of the Shiv Sena party.
Ambadas Danve, the Leader of Opposition in the state legislative council and member of the UBT faction, accused the government of misleading people and aggravating tensions.
He said while the Centre provides funds to maintain the tomb through ASI, both central and state governments incite certain people to call for its destruction.
Opinions
Political leaders weigh in on Aurangzeb's tomb
Responding to Danve's statements, Cabinet Minister and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) member Sanjay Shirsat said opposition parties should erect statues of Aurangzeb if they believe removing his tomb would erase history.
Shirsat emphatically stated there's no place for Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra.
Congress MP Kalyan Kale from Jalna criticized that the issue had been unnecessarily escalated ahead of local body elections; many are only now noticing it because elections are approaching.
Threats
Hindu groups threaten 'Babri-like' action over Aurangzeb's tomb
Hindu outfits including VHP and Bajrang Dal have called for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
They have threatened a "Babri-like" repeat for the structure if it isn't dismantled.
The organizations will stage a statewide protest advocating for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb on Monday at 11:30am amid heavy police presence around the structure.
Escalation
Controversy surrounding Aurangzeb's tomb escalates
The demand for demolishing Aurangzeb's tomb has triggered a controversy after Maharashtra Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi lauded the Mughal emperor.
Azmi was suspended from the state Assembly till March 26 and several FIRs filed against him for allegedly hurting public sentiments.
His remarks came weeks after the release of Chhava, a film based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's life, who was tortured to death by Aurangzeb.