Balbir Singh, who participated in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, later embraced Islam as Mohammed Amir and helped restore over 90 mosques.

By News National Editorial Team

Hyderabad | Special Report

In one of the most unusual personal journeys connected to the Babri Masjid demolition, a former Hindu nationalist and kar sevak from Haryana, Balbir Singh, later embraced Islam and dedicated much of his life to building and restoring mosques across India.

Known after his conversion as Mohammed Amir, Singh had participated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. Years later, he became known for his efforts to construct and renovate mosques, describing the work as a way of making amends for his role in the demolition.

His story attracted national and international media attention because of the dramatic change in his life.

Role in the Babri Masjid Demolition

Balbir Singh was originally from a village near Panipat in Haryana. Before the demolition, he was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Shiv Sena.

According to interviews published by India Today and Anadolu Agency, Singh travelled to Ayodhya on December 1, 1992, along with other kar sevaks.

He later claimed that he was among the first people to climb the central dome of the Babri Masjid. Carrying a hammer and other tools, he participated in the attack on the structure.

The Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a large gathering of kar sevaks, triggering widespread communal violence across India.

From Balbir Singh to Mohammed Amir

Following the demolition, Singh returned to Panipat, where he initially received a welcome from some supporters.

However, his family's reaction was reportedly very different. His family condemned his participation in the demolition, and he later spoke publicly about the regret he experienced over his actions.

He subsequently came into contact with Islamic scholar Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui through his friend Yogendra Pal, who had also participated in the demolition and later embraced Islam, adopting the name Mohammed Umar.

After a period of reflection and interaction with the scholar, Singh decided to embrace Islam.

On June 1, 1993, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Mohammed Amir, according to an interview he gave to Anadolu Agency. Other published accounts mention June 1993, with slightly different dates.

A Pledge to Build 100 Mosques

Following his conversion, Amir made a personal commitment to help construct or renovate 100 mosques across India.

He described the initiative as an effort to make amends for his participation in the destruction of the Babri Masjid.

Along with his friend Mohammed Umar, Amir travelled to different parts of the country, identifying neglected religious structures and helping restore them.

In interviews published in 2018 and 2019, he said that they had already helped construct or renovate approximately 90 mosques.

His work included repairing damaged structures, restoring neglected mosques and helping communities bring places of worship back into use.

The commitment became a defining part of his life after his conversion.

Final Years in Hyderabad

After spending years in northern India, Mohammed Amir eventually moved to Hyderabad.

He continued his religious and mosque-related activities and remained known for his pledge to help restore 100 mosques.

In July 2021, Amir was found dead at his rented residence in the Hafiz Baba Nagar area of Hyderabad's Old City.

According to reports published by The Times of India and The Siasat Daily on July 23–24, 2021, local residents alerted police after noticing a foul smell coming from his residence.

Kanchanbagh police reached the location and began an inquiry. The initial reports described the circumstances of his death as suspicious; they did not establish a confirmed cause of death.

By that time, reports had stated that he had helped build or renovate more than 90 mosques, continuing the mission he had undertaken decades earlier.

A Story That Remains Part of India's Recent History

Mohammed Amir's journey from Balbir Singh to a person involved in restoring mosques remains a widely reported personal story associated with the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition.

His life brought together two contrasting chapters: participation in the destruction of a historic religious structure and a subsequent commitment to rebuilding and restoring places of worship.

His story also highlights the lasting personal and social consequences of the events of December 6, 1992, which remain an important chapter in India's modern history.

Sources: India Today, Anadolu Agency, The Times of India, The Siasat Daily and DT Next.