Demolition of Mazar and Mosque in Varanasi Railway Station Sparks Controversy
A court-ordered demolition of an old mosque and a Mazar in Varanasi's Kashi Railway Station has sparked controversy amid long-standing land disputes.
Highlights
- •Azgaib Shaheed Mazar and a historic mosque were demolished inside the railway station premises
- •Legal battles and encroachments led to years of dispute over ownership
- •Security presence was heightened during the demolition
- •Local faith groups insisted on the site's historical significance
Varanasi, the holiest city for Hindus and an icon of spiritual tourism, faced an intense legal battle last week after a court ordered the demolition of two significant structures inside the Kashi Railway Station—Azgaib Shaheed Mazar and a mosque. The incident occurred following years of dispute over land ownership.
Legal Battle
The dispute began during a land survey for an ongoing Kashi Model Railway Station project, initiated in 2024. Administrative officials confirmed that the site was part of railway property and had been encroached upon by multiple occupants over several years, including Hanuman worshippers whose temple was later removed to make way for further encroachments.
Despite efforts to vacate the premises via notices, no action was taken. Consequently, demolition proceedings commenced on Tuesday night. Heavy security measures, involving police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Railway Protection Force (RPF), were deployed to maintain order amid heightened tensions surrounding the sensitive religious sites.
Local Muslims insisted that both structures had stood for centuries, with the mosque dating back several hundred years. However, the administration countered by attributing the presence of these buildings to historical encroachments.
