Allahabad High Court Bomb Threat Linked to Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Dispute

In a concerning development, the Allahabad High Court received a bomb threat linked to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi site dispute. The threat, reportedly originating from a Pakistani phone number, was revealed by Ashutosh Pandey, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nirman Trust and a petitioner in the ongoing legal case.

Pandey disclosed that on Wednesday at 9:36 PM, he received 22 threatening audio messages via WhatsApp from the number +92 302 9854231. The messages contained chilling warnings, threatening to bomb the Allahabad High Court on November 19 and targeting Pandey personally. The recorded messages have been submitted to the authorities for investigation.

This is not the first time Pandey has faced threats over his involvement in legal cases concerning the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi site in Mathura. He has been vocal in various disputes, including one related to unauthorized electrical connections at the Shahi Eidgah mosque.

Legal Dispute Over Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Site

The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah Mosque dispute has been a long-standing legal issue. The controversy stems from allegations that the mosque was constructed after the demolition of a temple believed to mark the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

In 1968, a compromise agreement was reached between the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan and the Trust Shahi Masjid Eidgah. This agreement allowed both religious sites to coexist. However, in recent years, several parties have sought to challenge the agreement, claiming it was fraudulent and legally invalid.

The dispute gained momentum as multiple lawsuits were filed, leading to the Allahabad High Court consolidating all related cases pending before the Mathura courts.

Court Observations

Justice Mayank Kumar Jain of the Allahabad High Court made a pivotal observation regarding the dispute. The Masjid Committee had argued that the land on which the mosque stands has long been under their management and that the suits filed by Hindu worshippers were barred under the Limitation Act and the Places of Worship Act.

However, Justice Jain ruled that the Hindu worshippers’ claims were not restricted by these legal provisions, allowing the case to move forward. This decision added another layer of complexity to the legal battle, further intensifying public interest in the matter.

Security Concerns and Investigation

The recent bomb threat has escalated security concerns around the case. Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation, with local police analyzing the audio recordings submitted by Pandey. Given the sensitivity of the dispute and its implications, law enforcement agencies are taking the threat seriously.

Ashutosh Pandey’s previous experiences with intimidation underscore the risks faced by individuals actively pursuing legal action in sensitive cases. However, he remains steadfast in his commitment to seeking justice and resolving the dispute.

A Sensitive and Historic Dispute

The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi site is a deeply revered religious landmark, holding significance for millions of devotees. At the same time, the Shahi Eidgah mosque stands as a historic structure, reflecting centuries of shared cultural heritage.

Efforts to resolve the dispute have faced challenges due to its sensitive nature, requiring a delicate balance of legal, historical, and communal considerations. The ongoing litigation highlights the complexities involved in addressing historical claims while maintaining harmony among communities.

As the case unfolds, it continues to garner national and international attention, underscoring the importance of a peaceful resolution that respects the sentiments of all parties involved.