MUSSOORIE: A historic shrine dedicated to Baba Bulleh Shah, the famous 18th-century Sufi poet and philosopher, was vandalized in the northern Indian city of Mussoorie, triggering widespread condemnation and anger.
The shrine, which has stood for nearly a century in honor of the revered mystic, was desecrated in a night-time attack by a group of Hindutva extremists.
According to local media reports, the attackers entered the shrine, causing significant damage. They destroyed property, including religious texts in the shrine’s library, and attempted to demolish the structure with hammers and iron rods. In addition to the damage, the assailants reportedly set fire to holy books and left behind provocative slogans on the walls, including the chant of “Jai Shri Ram”.
The attackers also stole cash from the donation box, further exacerbating the desecration. Eyewitnesses recounted that the assault occurred under the cover of darkness, and despite the seriousness of the incident, local law enforcement initially refused to take any action. Police displayed an apparent lack of urgency, and the public outcry on social media only prompted action after intense criticism.
Following the mounting pressure, local police finally registered an FIR against three individuals, Hariyom, Shiva Yun, and Shradha, as well as 25-30 unknown perpetrators. Despite the filing of the case, authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with the attack.
In an alarming development, Lalit Sharma, the head of the Hindu Raksha Dal, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a social media post, Sharma declared that his group had “sent Baba Bulleh Shah back to Pakistan.” This inflammatory statement has further stoked tensions and raised questions about the rise of sectarian violence in the region.
Baba Bulleh Shah was a renowned Sufi mystic, whose philosophy of spirituality, love, and unity transcended religious boundaries. His shrine in Kasur, near Lahore (Pakistan), attracts millions of devotees annually. However, there are also several shrines dedicated to him in India, including the one in Mussoorie.
The attack on the shrine has raised significant concerns about the safety of religious sites, particularly those associated with Sufism, a tradition historically rooted in spiritual pluralism and interfaith harmony.
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