Illegal Dargah next to Mani Mandir in Morbi Razed

Morbi: An illegal dargah that had come up next to the historic Mani Mandir and was at the center of a long legal dispute was demolished by the civic authorities today.

Locals had long demanded the removal of the alleged illegal structure. The matter had earlier been under a stay order issued by the Gujarat High Court, but the stay was recently lifted. Following this, the administration issued a notice a few days ago asking that the structure be removed voluntarily. As no action was taken, authorities proceeded with the demolition today under heavy police security.

The demolition drive began early in the morning amid tight security arrangements. Given the sensitivity of the location, Morbi Police deployed a large contingent of personnel, including senior officers, to maintain law and order. The structure was removed peacefully and without any untoward incident.

However, the action triggered a reaction from members of the Muslim community, who gathered at the Morbi City A-Division Police Station to voice their protest. Several individuals raised slogans opposing the demolition and reportedly pelted stones. Some members of Muslim community also blocked traffic on public road briefly.

Police are currently working to bring the situation under control. Efforts are underway to defuse tensions by engaging community and religious leaders to help resolve the matter through dialogue and maintain peace.

In October 2022 Police had nabbed the accused Mujawar Hashamsha Jafarsha Fakir from Ahmedabad Airport in land grabbing case for constructing a Dargah illegally next to the iconic Manimandir in Morbi. The officer from the road & building department had filed a complaint against Mujawar for land grabbing at Morbi city A division police station on 26th September 2022 after the Heritage Bachao Samiti made appeals against the popping up of illegal dargah. DeshGujarat