Security Tightened at Aurangzeb’s Tomb After Threats from Extremists

Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), 17 March – (www.deccanlive.com): Security has been increased at the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Maharashtra following threats from extremist groups.

On Saturday, police officials visited the historical site to assess the situation. Additional security forces have been deployed, while local police were already present.

To ensure safety, two senior officers are now on 24-hour duty, and checkpoints have been set up on two routes leading to the tomb. Visitors are being thoroughly checked before entering.

This security boost aims to prevent any possible incidents after recent controversies regarding Aurangzeb. Following threats from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, the government has taken extra precautions.

According to police, every visitor at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar tomb is being checked before entry. Senior officers also inspected the site at khuldabad.

On March 10, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar should be removed legally. However, he mentioned that the site is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) due to a decision made by the previous Congress government.

Historical Tensions
Experts say that in 1689, Mughal forces captured Sambhaji Maharaj and executed him after torturing him. This has led to strong anti-Aurangzeb sentiments in the region.

The issue was first raised by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, who compared Muslims to Aurangzeb and used the historical Mughal-Maratha conflict for political purposes. This played a key role in Shiv Sena’s rise as a political force in Maharashtra.

Impact of Recent Film
The release of the historical action film ‘Chhava’ this year has further fueled the controversy. The movie, based on Sambhaji Maharaj’s life, features Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj and Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb.