Aligarh’s Baniyapada, often referred to as the city’s Vrindavan, has become a topic of grave concern following the exodus of Hindu families from the area. Known for its 12 ancient Mandirs, including the revered Banke Bihari Mandir, the locality is witnessing a rapid decline in its Hindu population due to rising insecurity and repeated instances of communal unrest due to radical Islamic elements.
Based on the reports from Zee News, Baniyapada, situated in the Dehli Gate police station area, holds immense historical and religious significance. It houses several Mandirs, such as the Govind Ji Mandir, Laxman Ji Mandir, Satyanarayan Ji Mandir, Shani Dev Mandir, and three Devi Mandirs. The Banke Bihari Mandir, a spiritual centerpiece of the area, is believed to be connected to Vrindavan’s revered saint Haridas Ji, and the locality of Haridas Nagar is named after him. In addition, the neighborhood features five ancient wells that are still used for religious purposes.
Once a thriving area predominantly inhabited by Vaishya and Brahmin families, Baniyapada has seen a shift in its demographic makeup over the years. Rising communal tensions and increasing Islamic settlements have led to a sense of insecurity among the Hindu families, prompting many to leave. Of the approximately 250 Hindu families that once resided in the area, nearly a dozen have vacated their homes in recent years, leaving them locked and abandoned.
Local residents recall the vibrant atmosphere of the area in earlier times, with the Banke Bihari Mandir attracting devotees from far and wide. However, repeated instances of Islamic-induced communal clashes have dimmed the locality’s charm. At its worst, the situation required police intervention to deliver basic necessities during heightened unrest.
The situation in Baniyapada is further exacerbated by rising communal tensions in nearby areas like Shyam Chowk and Chirag Chiyan. Local Hindu families report feeling unsafe, as the increasing dominance of Islamist families in the area has fueled fears of potential violence. Several Mandirs, such as the ancient Shiva Mandir in Tantanpada, now stand abandoned, reflecting the eroding cultural and religious identity of the neighborhood.
Baniyapada’s exodus is not just a story of migration but also a stark reminder of the challenges faced in preserving its historical and religious heritage. The ancient Mandirs and cultural landmarks, which have withstood centuries, now face neglect and abandonment. Residents and observers alike are calling for urgent administrative intervention to address the rising tensions and protect the area’s historical legacy.
Baniyapada, once a proud bastion of Hindu heritage with its 12 vibrant Mandirs and thriving community, now stands on the brink of cultural erasure, overwhelmed by the unchecked rise of pro-Islamic and anti-Hindu dominance in surrounding areas. The silence of mainstream media and authorities in addressing the plight of Hindus here is glaring, as ancient Mandirs like the Shiva Mandir lie abandoned, and Hindu families are driven out by fear and intimidation. This systematic marginalization echoes a deliberate attempt to erase Hindu identity and replace it with a homogenous Islamic narrative, a grim reminder of the unchecked rise of mini-Pakistans within Bharat.
