Video: Two men offer 'gangajal' at Taj Mahal; arrested
What's the story
Two individuals were arrested on Saturday for allegedly offering gangajal, or sacred water from the river Ganga, at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place during Sawan month, a period dedicated to Lord Shiva. The arrested individuals argued that they viewed the Taj Mahal as 'Tejo Mahalay,' a Shiv temple, rather than a monument. The men claimed to be associated with the right-wing organization, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha.
Video evidence
Viral video leads to arrests at Taj Mahal
A video clip of the incident has been circulated widely online, showing one of the accused pouring water from a plastic bottle on a closed staircase leading to the basement of Taj Mahal. This basement is known to house the original graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The Tajganj Police confirmed the arrest of the two men from the premises of Taj Mahal. The Central Industrial Security Force, responsible for security at the monument, apprehended them.
Twitter Post
Video of the stunt
इन बेवकुफो को कोई समझाओ कीं सावन में गंगा जल शिवलिंग पर चढ़ाया जाता है ना कीं कब्र पर
— Gaurav Yadav (@ygauravyadav) August 3, 2024
आगरा :ताजमहल के अंदर कब्र पर अखिल भारत हिन्दू महासभा के कार्यकर्ताओं ने गंगाजल चढ़ाया।#tajmahal pic.twitter.com/6s0vDrc0CO
Legal proceedings
Ongoing investigation and previous attempts
The men had gained entry into the monument's premises after purchasing tickets as tourists, who are allowed to bring in water bottles. Agra city deputy commissioner of police Suraj Rai confirmed that both men are currently in custody and an investigation is ongoing. This incident follows a previous attempt by a woman activist from Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha who tried to march toward Taj Mahal carrying water from Ganga river but was stopped by police.