Mysuru: The serene sanctity of Gumbaj in Srirangapatna, the final resting place Tipu Sultan, was recently marred by the filming of an inappropriate song for a Kannada film. This unfortunate incident has sparked significant outrage and deeply wounded the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) state president, Abdul Majeed, has wasted no time in calling for swift action from the censor board to expunge this objectionable scene.
In a press conference held at the SDPI office in the city, Abdul Majeed underscored the profound significance of Gumbaj for millions of Muslims and ardent admirers of Tipu Sultan. Gumbaj serves as the final resting place not only for Tipu Sultan but also for his father, Hyderali, and his mother. Moreover, it houses the revered tombs of Tipu Sultan’s family members and the gallant soldiers who valiantly fought against the British. Adjacent to this hallowed ground stands a sacred mosque, rendering Gumbaj an incredibly revered site.
Majeed expressed his profound disappointment at the decision to allow the filming of an explicit and ambiguous song from the film “Namo Bhotamma,” featuring Komal Kumar, in a location of such historical and cultural importance. He unreservedly laid responsibility at the feet of the Tipu Sultan Waqf Estate Committee and the State Waqf Board, explicitly naming MLA Tanveer Seth as the committee chairman and a member of the Waqf Board. Majeed went a step further, demanding their immediate resignation, invoking moral responsibility.
The Archaeology Department, vested with the authority to grant permissions for film shoots at such historic sites, and the Tipu Sultan Waqf Estate Committee, entrusted with preserving the sanctity of Gumbaj, were urged to impress upon the filmmakers the deep historical and cultural significance of the location. Regrettably, the committee permitted the filming of an inappropriate song, allegedly succumbing to financial incentives from the filmmakers.
This shocking revelation comes after the film’s release, casting a belated spotlight on the issue. Majeed has called upon the government to institute more stringent regulations, preventing the filming of explicit content within sacred places across all communities. He has announced his intention to formally lodge a complaint with the Chief Minister, the Wakf Minister, and the Wakf Board, urging the public to unite in vehement opposition to such incidents.
Concerns about the Tipu Sultan Waqf Estate Committee’s competence have also surfaced. Reports indicate that the committee’s focus on collecting fees related to tourist vehicle parking has seemingly eclipsed its primary responsibility of safeguarding the religious sanctity of this cherished site. In response to these concerns, there is growing demand for the immediate dissolution of the committee.