Hindu group calls for reciting Hanuman Chalisa at Qutub Minar; heavy police force deployed

New Delhi: A Hindu group on Tuesday called for reciting 'Hanuman Chalisa' at the Qutub Minar monument here, forcing a heavy police deployment in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The call by United Hindu Front came in the backdrop of rightwing groups demanding removal of idols from the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque inside the Qutab Minar complex so that they can be worshiped. The group said it wanted to worship the idols in the complex.

The Qutub Minar is the world's tallest brick minaret which stands 72.5 meters tall. According to the website of Delhi Tourism, it was built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom.

The Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex was constructed by Qutab-ud-din Aibak between 1193 and 1197. (UNI)