A few days ago, three people parked their two-wheeler inside the protected Nagina Masjid in gross violation of the rules. A visitor at the spot alleged that the men were intoxicated.

“When we enquired as to how they could get the vehicle inside the masjid, one of them threatened us not to interfere and said he is the son of a police officer,” said the visitor.

When the matter was reported to the monument attendants, they did not take it seriously. The locals feel it is easy enough to take in intoxicants inside the premises, as many of the areas are left unguarded. “We generally have at least two attendants at the important structures, but 18 people cannot be there at all the spots always,” said a monument attendant refusing to be named.

ASI Superintending Officer, Shivananda Rao, told Newsline: “We strictly prohibit bringing of alcoholic beverages inside the premises, and there is no way for taking in a vehicle. But the incident will be certainly investigated.”