Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest in Nashik which was a part of a statewide protest call by Vishv Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, demanding the removal of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb’s grave from Chhatrapati Shri Sambhaji Nagar. The protestors submitted a memorandum to the Nashik District Collector, urging authorities to take action against what they called a "symbol of slavery and oppression."
In their letter, Bajrang Dal members referred to Aurangzeb as a "cruel ruler and Hindu hater," blaming him for the killings of Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, and Chhatrapati Shri Sambhaji Maharaj. They also accused Aurangzeb of destroying Hindu temples, including Kashi Vishweshwar, Mathura’s Krishna temple, Sarnath, Trimbakeshwar, and Jejuri Fort. According to them, his reign was marked by mass conversions and brutal treatment of Hindus.
The letter states that Aurangzeb died in Ahilyadevi Nagar (present-day Ahmednagar), but his body was later taken to Chhatrapati Shri Sambhaji Nagar, where his grave was built. The group argued that India, now an independent nation, should not preserve any monument related to oppressive foreign rulers.
Bajrang Dal members demanded the government remove the grave "in a proper manner" and warned that if no action is taken, they will mobilize the Hindu community for a "karseva" (volunteer-led action) to demolish it. They also mentioned seeking support from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for their cause.
Authorities have not yet issued a response to their demand. However, the protest has sparked discussions over historical monuments and their relevance in contemporary India. Security has been heightened in the region to prevent any untoward incidents.