Author: Sweta Ramanujan-Dixit
Publication: Hindustan Times
Dated: March 14, 2008
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has reminded the
state government of the court deadline to demolish the unauthorised structure
on Mughal general Afzal Khan's tomb at Pratapgad, 250 km from Mumbai.
It said if the state government does not raze
the same by July, it would go ahead and demolish it.
"The government is yet to act upon a
high court order issued earlier this year, directing the government to check
for encroachments on the site and remove unauthorised constructions within
six months," said Venkatesh Abdeo, the organisation's all India joint
secretary on Thursday. "This is almost like glorifying Afzal Khan and
insulting Shivaji Maharaj."
Abdeo said the tomb, which was once under
a thatched roof, has been gradually transformed into an impressive structure
with 23 posh rooms by a trust called the Hazrat Mohammad Afzal Khan Society.
The saffron body raised the flag of Maratha
pride, calling on Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. "He is a Maratha
sardar. Let us see if he maintains Shivaji Maharaj's honour," said Abdeo.
- sweta.ramanujan@hindustantimes.com
