Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy calls on international community to preserve monument after protests demand its removal
Hyderabad, April 16, 2025 – In the wake of recent violence and controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra, Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, who identifies himself as a descendant of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, has written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging for international intervention to protect and preserve the tomb located in Kuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad).
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🏛️ Tomb Under Legal Protection, Claims Tucy
Tucy, who also claims to be the Mutawalli (caretaker) of the Waqf property, emphasized in his letter that Aurangzeb’s tomb has been designated a Monument of National Importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
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“Any unauthorized construction, alteration, destruction, or excavation near the monument is illegal and punishable,” Tucy stated in his appeal.
⚠️ Rising Tensions Over Aurangzeb’s Legacy
The plea comes nearly a month after clashes erupted in Nagpur during a rally calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. Protestors alleged that the 17th-century Mughal emperor’s legacy was being wrongly glorified. The agitation turned violent, with stone-pelting and allegations of sacrilege, leading to the arrest of 92 individuals.
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🌐 Calls for International Oversight & Cultural Preservation
Tucy urged the United Nations and UNESCO to remind the Indian government of its obligations under the 1972 UNESCO Convention on Cultural and Natural Heritage, which India is a signatory to.
“International law imposes a responsibility to safeguard cultural heritage for present and future generations,” he wrote, warning that neglect or destruction would breach global commitments.
He further condemned the “misrepresentation of historical figures through films and media”, which he claims has fueled hate campaigns and symbolic acts of aggression, including burning effigies and protests near the tomb.
🛡️ Appeal for Protection
Tucy requested the UN to direct the Government of India and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to:
- Ensure full legal protection of the tomb
- Deploy security personnel
- Prevent unauthorized alterations or destruction
Tags: Aurangzeb tomb controversy, Mughal descendant UN letter, Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, UNESCO cultural heritage India, Kuldabad tomb protection, Sambhajinagar news, Mughal monuments, historical monument protection India