DC orders probe into damage to ancient Sugh mound

Shiv Kumar Sharma

Tribune News Service

Yamunanagar, June 7

Deputy Commissioner Rohtash Singh Kharb has asked Executive Engineer of the Panchayat Department Ravinder Rathore to look into the damage caused to the ancient archeological and historical mound of Sugh village in Yamunanagar district.

The DC took action following a complaint filed by Sidhartha Gauri, president of ‘The Buddhist Forum’, an NGO, at the CM Window on May 16.

In his complaint, Sidhartha alleged that unidentified local persons had used an earth-moving machine on a large portion of the mound to undertake construction work. He alleged that farm practices were also being carried out at the site.

“It is a criminal offence to damage an archeological site. Therefore, an investigation should be conducted at the earliest and culprits should be prosecuted,” said Sidhartha.

He said the mound had a great historical significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The mound had revealed 2000-year-old Vanar Sena terracotta, which could also be related to the ‘Vanar Sena’ of Lord Rama, and many antiquities related to Buddha had been unearthed there.

“There is no fencing or security personnel at the site. The government should take steps to save the site,” said Sidhartha.

He said modern Sugh village, about 5 km to the east of Jagadhari, was first identified by the British army officer, Sir Alexander Cunningham, with the site of ancient city of Srughna, which was established 2,600 years ago.

He said, “According to the official website of Haryana Tourism, the extensive mound (about 5 km in circumference) lies on the west bank along with the flood-plains of the Yamuna. These remains are identified with ancient town Shrughna, reported in the travel account of Hiuen Tsang. The site of ancient Sugh presently lies in the jurisdiction of Amadalpur village,”

He added that Sugh was a metropolitan city of Indian sub-continent in ancient times and was known for its richness, culture and education values. Its strategic location on the ancient trade route was the main reason.

Rathore said the inquiry was on. The statements of the complainant and the sarpanch of Amadalpur village and others would be recorded soon.