• Source:JND
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The Centre has informed Parliament that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is taking proactive measures to safeguard the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Maharashtra against potential threats. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that ASI is working in coordination with the district administration to prevent any damage to the protected monument.

In response to a query by IUML MP Abdul Wahab regarding possible demolition threats from extremist groups, Shekhawat detailed the security measures implemented. These include erecting a 12-foot metal sheet around the tomb, installing concertina wire over surrounding walls to prevent trespassing, deploying private security personnel alongside multitasking staff and conducting regular inspections, News18 reported.

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Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Khuldabad in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, has been at the center of political debate. Several right-wing groups and members of the ruling alliance in Maharashtra have demanded its removal. The controversy has intensified following the release of the Bollywood film Chhaava, which depicts the struggle between Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb in the 17th century.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed disapproval of the tomb’s existence but acknowledged that its removal is not feasible due to its status as an ASI-protected monument. Fadnavis said that the tomb was designated as an ASI-protected site under a previous Congress-led government. He stated that any action regarding the monument must align with the legal framework, reinforcing that the government cannot bypass ASI regulations.

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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has also downplayed the controversy, with senior functionaries labelling the issue as unnecessary.  RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stated that Aurangzeb, as an “invader,” no longer holds significance in modern India, while former RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi dismissed the debate as irrelevant.