YOHAN P HONNADDI

Kalaburagi, 4 Aug

A huge controversy erupted after media reports claimed that an unauthorised dargah-like structure (mazar) was built overnight in the Central University of Kalaburagi (CUK). However, a SALAR fact check found the report to false.

Prominent Kannada media outlets broadcast false reports claiming that tombs were constructed overnight on the CUK campus near Kadaganchi village in Aland taluk. They claimed that compound wall work was underway, and that illegal tomb construction and painting were taking place. These reports have angered senior members of both the Hindu and Muslim communities in the area.

The reports claimed that there was a third unauthorised mazar identified on the campus, prompting outrage from pro-Hindu organisations.

After the reports, the university had deployed security around the campus and prohibited photography and videography on its premises.

However, fact-checked by SALAR NEWS found the reports to be completely false. Residents of Kadaganchi village revealed that the CUK campus houses two historically significant sites — the Mazar called Ghaib Peer or Khwaja Bande Nawaz and a Lakshmi and Beeralingeshwara temples.

“These tombs have always existed within the university premises. I have seen the news circulated in the media. The police brought it to our attention,” said Prof. RR Biradar, the CUK Registrar.

The university campus spans more than 650 acres and includes the Bande Nawaz Dargah, Ghaib Peer Dargah, Lakshmi Temple, and Beeralingeshwara Temple.

Two residents of Kadaganchi, Mehboob Sab and Shivalingappa Pasare, said that the tombs had been there since ancient times. One exclaimed that it had been there since their “great-grandfather’s time”. They were both 76-year olds.

“The hill now part of the university campus is where Khwaja Bande Nawaz once came and offered prayers. I have no hesitation in speaking the truth. The truth is always the truth. Even if the Kalaburagi DC (District Commissioner) questions me, I will say that these tombs have existed since my great-grandfather’s time,” explained a local resident named Jagannath.

Locals added that many people go visit the sites to pray.