In Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj district, a controversy has erupted over the alleged illegal encroachment of the 200-year-old Shri Jageshwar Nath Shiva temple located in the Bala Peer area by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Kaish Khan. The issue gained significant attention on Thursday, December 26, when former BJP MP Subrat Pathak, along with Tirwa MLA Kailash Rajput and local Hindu residents, inspected the temple site. During their visit, they claimed that if the well at the temple was excavated, idols of Hindu deities would likely be discovered. Pathak further accused Khan of uprooting a Shivling, throwing it into the well, and constructing a three-storey building on the temple land.

Local residents, outraged by the encroachment, protested against Khan’s actions. However, it was reported that the SP leader threatened to falsely implicate the protesters in criminal cases. In response, councillor Bhura Khan and other concerned citizens filed complaints with BJP leaders, urging them to address the issue. Pathak has condemned the alleged encroachment and removal of religious idols, describing it as an attack on Hindu faith.

Subsequently, Pathak met with District Magistrate (DM) Shubhrant Kumar Shukla and submitted a memorandum, demanding prompt action against Kaish Khan for occupying the temple land. The DM assured that an investigation would be conducted, and appropriate action would follow.

Pathak has warned that if the administration fails to take action to free the temple from encroachment and reinstall the Shivalinga, he and his supporters will stage a sit-in protest in the Balapir locality. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also voiced concerns, demanding the removal of the encroachment, alleging that such incidents deeply offend the sentiments of the Hindu community.

In response, Samajwadi Party leader Kaish Khan dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that he had legally purchased the land and that the temple was safe. He further accused the BJP of attempting to create unrest.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have accused SDM Sadar Ramkesh of colluding with Khan. Former MP Subrat Pathak claimed that Khan had also encroached upon municipal land, but the SDM failed to take action even after a complaint was filed. Pathak also alleged that Khan had obtained a stay from the court to prevent action against him. Accusing SDM Ramkesh of complicity in the encroachment of temple land, Pathak emphasised the need for investigation.

In response, District Magistrate Shubhrant Kumar Shukla assured that a team of officers would be dispatched to the location for a thorough investigation. Given the gravity of the situation, he has assigned the investigation to ADM Ashish Kumar and requested a report within two days, promising strict action against those responsible.