An old video showing a group from the Muslim community offering prayers at the Taj Mahal in Agra has been circulated with claims that religious practices are prohibited at the site, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, in reality, specific guidelines permit Namaz at the Taj Mahal on Fridays.
Sharing the video on X (Formerly Twitter) propagandist account @ajaychauhan41 wrote. Is this allowed in the Taj Mahal premises? Is the Taj Mahal under the jurisdiction of ASI? Or has the Taj Mahal been taken over by WAQF? (Translated from Hindi)
Another propaganda account @KreatelyMedia has also shared the video and wrote. “Hello @agrapolice @Uppolice Is this allowed at Taj Mahal complex? Thought it was under ASI jurisdiction? Then WAQF has taken over this too?
The truth about the claims about Taj Mahal, Agra, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the video and claims came to our notice. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis of the video and found that these claims are not true.
To verify the claims made by the users. We performed a reverse image search of some key frames from the viral video using Google Lens. This led us to an Instagram post containing the same video uploaded in August 2023.
Further, we performed a relevant keyword search and found multiple reports (1, 2) regarding Namaz at the Taj Mahal. According to reports, there are specific guidelines allowing people to offer Namaz at the Taj Mahal on Fridays. However, only local residents are permitted to do so, and they must first obtain permission from the relevant authorities.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the Taj Mahal is not occupied by the Waqf Boards, it comes under the jurisdiction of ASI.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) November 5, 2024
ANALYSIS: Distorted
FACT: An old video showing a group of people from the Muslim community offering prayers at the Taj Mahal has been shared,implying that such religious practices are banned because the site falls under the Archaeological Survey of India jurisdiction.(1/3) pic.twitter.com/Qsxv4COude
Intent
Social media users and Influencers are circulating videos of people offering Namaz at the Taj Mahal with misleading claims to set their narrative based on religion.
Conclusion
Claim– The Taj Mahal in Agra is occupied by the Waqf Boards because people can offer Namaz at the site.
Fact– There are specific guidelines allowing people to offer Namaz at the Taj Mahal on Fridays. However, only local residents are permitted to do so, and they must first obtain permission from the relevant authorities
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