'Shivling exists beneath its premises': Hindu outfit plans Ganga water offering at Deoband seminary

NEW DELHI: The Hindu Raksha Dal has announced plans to visit Darul Uloom in Deoband on Tuesday and offer Ganga water at the prominent Islamic seminary, alleging that a Shivling exists beneath its premises, as reported by news agency PTI.In a video message released on Saturday, Lalit Sharma, Uttarakhand state president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, said members of the organisation, led by its national president Pinky Chaudhary, would travel from Haridwar to Deoband carrying Ganga water.Sharma claimed the organisation had earlier approached the Saharanpur administration seeking an inquiry into its allegation that a Shiv temple exists on the Darul Uloom premises.He alleged that no action was taken on the complaint.Following this, the organisation decided to visit the seminary and offer Ganga water, Sharma said.Police have warned that no attempt to disturb the law-and-order situation will be allowed. "Nobody will be permitted to disrupt law and order. Legal action will be taken against anyone who attempts to disturb the atmosphere," Deoband Circle Officer Amit Kumar Singh said, according to PTI.What is Darul Uloom Deoband?Darul Uloom Deoband, founded in 1866 in present-day Uttar Pradesh, is one of South Asia’s most influential Islamic seminaries. The seminary was established by Islamic scholars including Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanautawi and Maulana Rashid Muhammad Gangohi.It promotes the Deobandi tradition of Islamic scholarship, known for its orthodox interpretation of Islam and emphasis on religious education.Over the years, the Deobandi tradition spread through seminaries across India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other parts of South Asia.