Sangrur, Jan. 28 -- The hosting of a 'wedding' function at the protected Banasar Bagh Baradari in Sangrur has triggered a row, with locals and experts seeking a thorough probe. The 19th century site is protected under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964. According to the permission letter, issued by the directorate of cultural affairs, archaeology & archives museum, Punjab, the site was to be used for a shoot titled 'Pyar ka Safar'. HT has the copy of the permission letter addressed to one Yogesh Garg, dated December 12, 2025. The official letter specifies that the site was to be used for a shoot titled 'Pyar Ka Safar' at the Marble Baradari, including Sangrur Tank on January 23, while there is no mention of any marriage or wedding shoot. When contacted, a person from the family said that they had obtained necessary permission from the director of the tourism department, and the event wasn't a wedding but a video shoot. One of the persons present at the function confirmed that it was a wedding ceremony as the 'havan' and 'phere' (religious rituals) were performed at the centre of the Baran Dari. "The family and their guests started arriving at noon and stayed till 9pm, attending various festivities, including music and dance," the person said, pleading anonymity. Notably, the permission letter mentioned that the timing of the event will be between 9 am and 5 pm on January 23. Rajeev Jindal, a historian who also wrote a book on Sangrur's history titled 'A tryst with Royalty', said that the over 150-year-old site, constructed by Raja Sangat Singh during his reign from 1822 to 1834, is part of the rich heritage of Sangrur. "It is a priceless Mughal and Rajaputana architectural monument of our region. Allowing a private wedding with complete access to all parts of Baradari inside this protected structure is not merely administrative negligence," Jindal said. Ashwani Chaudhary, whose father and grandfather served on the privy council of the Jind State (a formal body advising the head of state), stated that the permission was misused and that such things should not happen, considering the status of the site. Sangrur additional deputy commissioner Ankur Mohendro said that the district administration will probe the matter, and if any violations of guidelines are found, strict action will be taken. Tourism and cultural department director Sanjeev Kumar also said that permission was given for a shoot. "We will look into the matter." Senior assistant at cultural affairs department, Gurleen Singh, said, "The permission was given for the shoot only, but we got to know that the site was used to host a wedding. Considering the seriousness of the matter, we are holding a meeting on Wednesday, and further action will follow," he said Minister for tourism and cultural affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, could not be contacted for comments despite repeated attempts....