ASI files FIR after men conduct Shiva rites at Mehtab Bagh near Taj Mahal

Men who have not been identified entered the Archaeological Survey of India-protected Mehtab Bagh, situated across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal, and performed a Shiva puja that included offering Gangajal, lighting lamps and unfurling a religious flag. The ritual was recorded and the footage circulated widely online, prompting ASI senior conservation assistant Ankit Namdev to lodge a formal police complaint. Preliminary inquiries by ACP Shweta Verma suggest that up to three participants may be associated with the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha.

An FIR was registered at Etmadduala police station, citing violations of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, the BNS Act and the Information Technology Act. Authorities believe the individuals concealed religious items to evade security checks. An inspector-rank police officer has been assigned to probe the incident and determine appropriate action.