Kulgam, Jul 8: Unknown miscreants broke into the revered Khanqah of Hazrat Syed Hassan Simnani (RA) in South Kashmir’s Kulgam town and looted cash from the donation box, sparking widespread anger and sorrow among locals.
Local sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the incident occurred during the night hours when burglars forcibly opened the large donation box installed at the shrine premises and decamped with a substantial amount of cash offerings made by devotees. CCTV footage recovered from the shrine clearly shows two unidentified individuals breaking into the premises and looting the donation box.
“This wasn’t an ordinary donation box. It’s a large one and always contains a hefty sum due to the faith people have in Hazrat Simnani (RA). We believe this was done by some drug addicts who roam around and look for easy money,” said a local resident while expressing outrage over the desecration.
Devotees gathered at the shrine early morning were left in shock after finding the donation box vandalized and its contents missing. Many described the act as not only a theft of money but an attack on the sanctity of a spiritual and historical site.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident and registered a formal case under relevant sections of law. A senior police official said that investigations are underway and assured that the culprits will be brought to justice. “We are examining the CCTV footage and are confident of identifying the miscreants soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, local religious leaders and civil society members have condemned the incident and demanded swift action. They pitched for community vigilance and urged the authorities to intensify the crackdown against drug addiction and related crimes, which they believe are the root cause behind such acts. [KNT]
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