Suit filed in court for reclamation of Krishna Janmabhoomi and removal of Shahi Idgah Mosque

A civil suit has been filed at the Mathura court seeking ownership over the entire 13.37 acres of the Krishna Janmabhoomi land in Mathura, considered as the birth place of Lord Krishna, and has also sought the removal of Shahi Idgah Masjid built by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.

The suit, filed by Vishnu Jain on behalf of Sri Krishna Virajman, states that “every inch of the land of Katra Keshav Dev is sacred for the devotees of Lord Shree Krishna and Hindu community”.

It adds that the place of birth of Lord Krishna currently lies beneath the existing structure.

Blaming Islamic invader Aurangzeb for the demolition of the temple, the plea reads “Aurangzeb ruled over the country he being a staunch follower of Islam issued orders for demolition of the temple standing at the birthplace of Lord Shree Krishna at Katra Keshav Dev in 1669-70”.

Advocates Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the petitioners addressing the media said that the suit is being filed for removal of encroachment and superstructure illegally raised by Committee of Management of alleged Trust Masjid Idgah with the consent of Sunni Central Board of Waqf on land Khewat No. 255 at Katra Keshav Dev.

Earlier in August 2020, Hindu sadhus formed the ‘Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Nirman Nyas’ along the lines of Ram Mandir trust in an effort to liberate Mathura. Around 80 saints from 14 states, which includes 11 saints from Vrindavan had come together to set up the new trust.

It was decided that a signature campaign would soon be launched to connect other saints and seers for the ‘liberation’ of the Krishna Janmabhoomi.

According to historical records, Islamic ruler Aurangzeb had built the Shahi Idgah Mosque by demolishing the ancient Keshavnath temple in the year 1669. He had also demolished the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and built the Gyan Vapi Mosque on top of it. Even today, the remnants of this ancient temple can be seen protruding from the Gyan Vapi Mosque.

Over to Kashi - Frontline

For long, Hindus have been seeking the reclamation of the, Ram Janmabhoomi at Ayodhya, Krishna Janmabhoomi at Mathura and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple upon which mosques have been built. However, the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, stands as the roadbloack which prevents conversion of places of worship – like churches, mosques and temples – into places of worship of a different religion.