Controversy has erupted after it emerged that a 15th century tomb in South Delhi's Humayunpur has been converted into a Hindu temple.

According to reports the 500-year-old tomb, or gumti, was in March painted in white and saffron and Hindu idols have been placed inside. The unidentified tomb has been listed as state-notified heritage structure.

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According to Amit Kumar, Director-Projects, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the structure is estimated to be around 500 years old and there are documents from 1929-30 which calls it tomb.

He also claimed that 7-8 months ago, INTACH had visited the structure for conservation along with state archaeology team and Police, but locals say its personal property as they had revenue records to prove it.

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Locals, however, said the structure which has a dome on top was always known to them as a temple. They also admitted that the structure was repainted in white and saffron recently.

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Taking note of the incident Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has ordered an enquiry into the incident and directed the Art, Culture and Language (ACL) Department secretary to submit a report.

In his order to the secretary, the deputy chief minister said that causing damage and harm to a heritage property was against the law and a serious offence.

"It is the duty of the state Archeology Department to ensure the protection of heritage monuments listed under them and take strict action in case of a lapse," Sisodia said in his order.