Kalaburagi: A major controversy has erupted in Kalaburagi after allegations surfaced that members of the Muslim community have illegally constructed religious tombs (mazars) within the premises of Kalaburagi Central University. The issue has sparked protests from university students and Hindu organizations, who have issued a stern ultimatum to the district administration to demolish the structures by August 10 or face direct action.
The Central University campus, spread across 600 acres near Kadaganchi village in Aland taluk, is now at the center of a heated religious and administrative debate. According to allegations, two mazars have already been constructed inside the campus over the past few years. What has now triggered outrage is the construction of a third mazar, reportedly taking place without any official approval or sanction.
Eyewitnesses claim that a stone compound was recently erected overnight around the proposed mazar site. More alarmingly, it has come to light that unauthorized electric connections had been extended to the tombs, allowing for continued religious activity including prayers. Following these revelations, the university administration has disconnected the illegal power supply.
Forest officials and district authorities are yet to officially respond to the situation, though the issue has rapidly escalated with political and religious overtones. Hindu organizations, student groups, and local villagers have expressed strong opposition to what they allege is systematic encroachment of public land under the guise of religious activity.
Speaking to Organiser, Sri Ram Sene National Honorary President Siddalinga Swamiji stated, “This is not an isolated incident. We are seeing a pattern of illegal grave constructions in government and educational lands across the state. First it happened near the Basavasagar reservoir in Narayanapura, then at a school in Afzalpur. Now it’s happening inside a Central University. These mazars have been constructed without any official permission, some of them as high as 10-15 feet. It’s a clear encroachment of public land.”
He further alleged that the illegal construction is being supported internally. “We have credible information that an assistant professor named Abdul Mazar and some Muslim students, with the backing of local villagers, are involved in promoting unauthorized dargah construction inside the university campus. This is unacceptable in a secular, academic institution,” he said.
University officials, however, have claimed ignorance. A senior administrator, speaking anonymously, said the university had no prior knowledge of these constructions. “We are investigating the matter. Appropriate action will be taken after discussions with local authorities,” the official said.
Adding to the tension is the claim that namaz prayers are being conducted at the site, suggesting that the area is being slowly converted into a religious center. Hindu activists argue that this not only violates land use norms but also threatens the academic sanctity and neutrality of the university campus.
Student groups too have joined the protests, alleging that the administration’s silence over the years has allowed illegal religious structures to emerge. “The university is supposed to be a place of learning, not a ground for unauthorised religious expansion,” said a postgraduate student, demanding immediate action.
In a joint statement issued by various Hindu organisations, including Sri Ram Sene and VHP affiliates, a firm deadline has been set: “The district administration must demolish the illegal structures before August 10. If it fails to act, we will initiate a mass movement to flatten the illegal mazars ourselves.”
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