Hyderabad: The Naqqar Khana (drum house) at the Old Eidgah in Madannapet has been demolished and truck loads of granites have been taken away from this structure, alleged heritage activist.

The Madannapet Old Eidgah is with the Wakf Board and is a protected heritage monument.

“A few weeks ago, land grabbers erected a shed. Now, they demolished the Naqqar Khana and carted away the granites and other materials,” said Maqdoom, who lodged a complaint with the board.

Heritage activist P. Anuradha Reddy said that despite being alerted about the illegal activity in August, the department of archaeology and museums did not bother to take action.

On Saturday, the task force and senior officials from Wakf Board and the local corporator visited the spot. However, they were prevented from inspecting the premises. Following which, the board lodged a complaint with the Madannapet police against the land grabbers.

The Naqqar Khana is the drum house at royal palaces and other vital places where music was played on important occasions.

Official announcements were also made from the Naqqar Khana.

At the palace, drum houses were constructed at the entrances and the naubat and shehnai were played in honour of the guests.

The Naqqar Khana is part of the Mughalera buildings, said historian M A Qayyum.