By Muslim Mirror Desk
On March 26, communal tensions erupted in Rahuri, Maharashtra, when a mob stormed the Hazrat Ahmed Chishti Dargah, also known as Buwasind Baba, removing its traditional green flag and replacing it with a saffron flag. The incident followed reports that miscreants had desecrated a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj earlier that day, sparking protests in the town.
The centuries-old dargah, situated in Rahuri village, has historically been a place of shared faith, frequented by both Muslims and Hindus. The region has long reflected syncretic traditions, but in recent months, Hindutva groups have intensified claims that the dargah was originally a Hindu temple and should be “restored.” These claims, coupled with growing attempts to disrupt communal harmony, have led to increasing tensions in the area.
Rahuri, with a population of around 53,000, is home to approximately 14,000 Muslims, who reside alongside the dargah and the decades-old Khana Mosque. Recent events suggest a pattern where right-wing groups have sought to inflame religious discord by asserting ownership over the dargah.
On March 26, a mob forcibly entered the dargah, removed the green flag, and replaced it with a saffron one, despite the presence of police officers at the scene. No action was taken to prevent the flag change, leading to heightened tensions.
Earlier in the day, reports surfaced on social media that someone had defaced the statue of Shivaji Maharaj near the dargah, leading to widespread protests. Right-wing leader Sagar Setya Beg, along with political figures like former MLA Shivajirao Kardile, demanded swift action in response.
The violence escalated, with stone pelting reported near the mosque and Muslim homes. Residents described the attacks as targeted and deliberate.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com. Read the full story here.
