In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, the 250-year-old Shri Ganga Maharani temple was freed from encroachment following an administrative crackdown. The temple, reportedly constructed by Laxman Singh over two centuries ago, had been under the illegal occupation of Wajid Ali Khan and his family for several years. After presenting valid ownership documents to the district administration, the Hindu community regained control of the temple. Wajid Ali Khan, unable to produce any legal proof of ownership, was evicted by the authorities with police support.
The temple, revered for its antiquity and cultural significance, had not seen worship in decades due to the encroachment. Community members reported that idols had been removed from the premises, further disrupting religious practices. Following the eviction, Hindu organizations hoisted a saffron flag on the temple and announced plans to purify the premises with cow urine and Ganga water before reinstalling the deity’s idol.
According to Rakesh Singh Chauhan, the complainant and a descendant of Laxman Singh, the land was officially registered under the temple’s name in 1905. He stated that two rooms on the premises were rented out to the Dolly Raghubar Dayal Sadhan Sahakari Samiti Limited, which later vacated them after constructing its own office building. However, Wajid Ali Khan, a former watchman employed by the cooperative, refused to vacate the rooms and eventually occupied the entire temple premises with his family.
The dispute escalated when the Hindu community lodged a formal complaint, accusing Wajid Ali Khan and his sons of encroaching on the temple under the guise of the cooperative office. In response, the district administration sought documents from both parties. While the Hindu community submitted valid ownership papers, Wajid Ali Khan failed to provide any evidence supporting his claim.
On Friday, district officials arrived at the site with a heavy police presence and issued Wajid Ali Khan a one-hour notice to vacate the premises. His belongings were swiftly removed, and the temple was officially reclaimed. During the operation, police ensured order and prevented any potential unrest.
The reclamation has brought joy to the local Hindu community, who now look forward to restoring the temple’s sanctity. Plans are underway to reinstall the idol of Shri Ganga Maharani, marking a new chapter in the temple’s history. Meanwhile, the Dolly Raghubar Dayal Sadhan Sahakari Samiti Limited clarified its position, stating it no longer has any involvement with the temple.
