Hyderabad: Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, who claims to be a descendant of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, has appealed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ensure the protection of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra.
Tucy’s plea comes nearly a month after violent clashes broke out in Nagpur during a rally demanding the removal of the 17th-century ruler’s tomb located in Kuldabad. He also claims to be the mutawalli (caretaker) of the Waqf property where the tomb is situated.
In his letter to the UN, Tucy emphasized that the tomb has been declared a “Monument of National Importance” and is safeguarded under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. He stressed that any unauthorized construction, alteration, or damage near the protected site is illegal and punishable under Indian law.
Raising concerns over the tomb’s security, Tucy urged for deployment of security personnel, citing rising tensions and repeated incidents of hate campaigns targeting the Mughal legacy. “Due to misrepresentation of historical facts through films, media outlets, and social platforms, public sentiment has been manipulated, resulting in unwarranted protests and symbolic aggression such as effigy burning,” his letter stated.
Tucy further argued that international law obligates the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations. He referenced India’s commitment to the 1972 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, saying that any neglect or destruction of such monuments would violate global obligations.
He urged the UN Secretary-General to direct the Indian government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to ensure full legal protection, preservation, and security of Aurangzeb’s resting place.
The controversy erupted on March 17 in Nagpur when clashes broke out amid demands for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. Stones were hurled at police following rumours that a religious book was desecrated. Authorities have since arrested 92 individuals in connection with the violence.
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