Fish Worth Rs 20 Lakh Found Dead In Bihar's Sher Shah Suri Tomb Pond, Farmer Alleges Poisoning

Last Updated:July 14, 2025, 18:23 IST

Thousands of dead fish have surfaced in the pond at Sher Shah Suri’s tomb in Bihar’s Rohtas, raising concerns over monument neglect and shocking local fish farmers

Once a scenic spot for tourists, the pond at Sher Shah Suri’s tomb now tells a tale of neglect. (Local18)

The historic Sher Shah Suri mausoleum in Sasaram, Bihar, is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and architectural grandeur. However, it is currently making headlines not for its heritage, but for the alarming number of fish found dead in the pond within its premises.

Thousands of dead fish have mysteriously surfaced, with remains now scattered along the banks. This incident has not only shocked local fish farmers but also highlights the ongoing neglect of this protected monument.

Tender Taken For Rs 35 Lakh

This year, fisherman Dina Chaudhary from Rohtas district secured a tender worth Rs 35 lakh to farm fish in the pond. He had invested lakhs in stocking and caring for the fish. However, in a single night, everything was lost. Dina claims that fish worth Rs 18-20 lakh died suddenly, and he suspects that someone may have intentionally poisoned the water. He is now demanding a full investigation.

A Pond In Decline

The pond’s deteriorating condition is a major concern. Once, clean water flowed into the pond from a nearby canal, and a separate outlet ensured proper drainage. This kept the water fresh and suitable for aquatic life. However, for years now, both the inlet and outlet systems have been blocked.

With no flow of fresh water, the pond has become stagnant—like a closed well—making it hard for fish to survive. The water has also turned green due to pollution and lack of maintenance.

This is the same pond that once added charm to the tomb, where tourists would often stop to take pictures. Today, it lies neglected, with no regular maintenance and no long-term plan for preservation. The site falls under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and while some restoration work is ongoing on the tomb itself, the pond remains overlooked.

Revenue vs Responsibility

Every year, tenders are issued for fish farming in this pond, bringing in lakhs in revenue. While proposals to fix the water inlet and outlet have been discussed, no concrete steps have been implemented on the ground.

Dina Chaudhary, who believes poison may have been deliberately added, is now more concerned about his future than just the financial loss. “This was not just my livelihood," he says. “It was my life, and now it is hanging in the balance."

While the allegation of poisoning is serious, experts have not ruled out the possibility that the fish may have died due to low oxygen levels caused by stagnant water and poor conditions.

Location :

Sasaram, India, India

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