Decades-old Muslim shrine demolished in UP’s Agra, sparks concern over selective action
Lucknow,: Authorities in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have demolished a decades-old Muslim shrine in the historic city of Agra, sparking fresh concerns among local Muslims over selective targeting of Islamic religious sites under the guise of development and anti-encroachment drives.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the shrine was located along Mahatma Gandhi Road, one of Agra’s busiest commercial corridors. Local media reported that the structure was demolished under heavy police deployment “as part of a road-widening project.” Residents said authorities discouraged people from recording the demolition, though photographs and videos later circulated online.
The demolition immediately triggered criticism from members of the local Muslim community, who questioned why the shrine was removed while other religious structures located along the same road remained standing. They argued that if the objective was genuine infrastructure development, uniform standards should be applied to all structures regardless of religion. They described the action as selective rather than administrative.
Members associated with the management of the Agra shrine said they felt powerless to stop the demolition despite their objections, adding the heavy security presence discouraged any public protest, leaving many to watch from a distance as the structure was torn down.
The latest incident adds to a growing list of demolitions of Muslim homes, mosques, shrines and seminaries across India, particularly in states governed by the BJP, raising ongoing concerns among rights observers and affected communities.
