Indian authorities have launched an investigation after a Jewish family filed a complaint alleging that ancient Jewish graves were desecrated at the only Jewish cemetery in the city of Jabalpur. Members of the remaining Jewish community claim that the local “land mafia” is attempting to take control of the historic burial ground by damaging gravestones and erasing evidence of its Jewish heritage.

The cemetery, which is more than 100 years old, was established during the British colonial era to serve the Jewish community that once lived in the region. At the time, approximately 200 Jewish families resided in Jabalpur, and the British administration allocated land for the cemetery. Around 100 people are buried there, including Jewish soldiers who fought alongside British forces.

According to the Jewish families who still live in the area, real estate agents—described by Indian media as the “land mafia”—have recently sought to seize the property by claiming it is privately owned. They allege that several gravestones have been damaged or destroyed in an effort to eliminate the site’s historical significance.

The dispute was first heard in a lower court and later in the district court, with both courts ruling in favor of the Jewish community. Despite those rulings, the developers have announced plans to appeal to India’s Supreme Court, arguing that the land is privately owned.

Attorney Manish Verma, who represents the Jewish families, told local media, “The people are trying to grab the cemetery land. They have also damaged the tombstones erected over several graves to erase the historical marks. The court has ruled that the Jewish families will have possession of the land, but despite that, an appeal has been filed before the Supreme Court claiming it is private property.”

Most of Jabalpur’s Jewish community emigrated over the years to Israel and other countries. Today, only three or four Jewish families remain in the area, continuing their efforts to preserve the community’s heritage and protect the historic cemetery.

At the same time, Indian citizens and civic organizations have called on authorities to safeguard the cemetery and designate it as a protected historical heritage site. Local residents have also spoken out against the attempted takeover, arguing that the cemetery is an integral part of the city’s history and cultural heritage.

{Matzav.com}