The Sambhal administration on Friday reopened a temple locked since 1978 following communal riots in the Uttar Pradesh town.
Officials said the temple, a stone’s throw from the Shahi Jama Masjid, was opened
after authorities “stumbled” on it during an anti-encroachment drive.
The Bhasma Shankar temple houses an idol of Hanuman and a Shivling.
The temple had remained locked since 1978 after the communal riots that led to the displacement of the local Hindu community, locals claimed.
Subdivisional magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra, who was leading a campaign against electricity theft in the area, said: “While inspecting the region, we stumbled upon this temple. Upon noticing it, I immediately informed the district authorities. We all came here together and decided to reopen the temple.”
The temple has a well nearby, which the authorities plan to reopen.
Locals shared their memories of the temple, with many highlighting its importance as a religious site for the community.
Vishnu Shankar Rastogi, the 82-year-old patron of the Nagar Hindu Mahasabha, said: “I have lived in Khaggu Sarai since my birth. After the 1978 riots, our community was forced to migrate from the area. This temple, dedicated to our Kulguru, has been locked since then.”
Weeks after four people died in violence over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid here, the administration has launched a campaign to tackle encroachments and power theft in areas around the mosque.
Khaggu Sarai is just over a kilometre away from the mosque.
Violence had erupted in Sambhal on November 24 over a survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid. Four people were killed and several, including police personnel, were injured in the clash.
An imam of another mosque in Sambhal was on Friday fined ₹2 lakh for allegedly using a loudspeaker at high volume, officials said.
The incident took place at Anar Wali Masjid, according to administrative officials.
The imam was directed to refrain from similar conduct for the next six months, according to an order passed by the SDM.
