Dhar, Aug 21 — Religious ceremonies of Hindu and Muslim communities at the historic Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, concluded peacefully on Friday.
Members of the Hindu community performed puja at Bhojshala, while several members of the Muslim community offered namaz at the designated site of Khasra No. 612. As it was Friday, the district administration remained on high alert from early morning and deployed approximately 1,000 security personnel.
Following Supreme Court guidelines, separate entry and exit routes were designated for both communities to prevent any overlap or confrontation. In view of reported disruptions and traffic-related disputes the previous Friday, the Dhar administration improved arrangements significantly.
Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena and Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma personally inspected the Bhojshala complex, the prayer site, and all access routes in the morning. Officials clarified that entry and exit timings for both sides were kept strictly separate from morning until evening to avoid any conflict.
SP Sachin Sharma said that adequate multi-layered security arrangements had been put in place. Deployments covered the protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, high-rise buildings, the immediate vicinity of the prayer site, all approach roads, and checkpoints. Patrolling was conducted on foot as well as by two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Surveillance was maintained through drones, CCTVs, and body-worn cameras.
He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone engaging in untoward activity. A strong three-tier security arrangement was enforced outside the Bhojshala complex. Mobile Surveillance Vehicles and 180-degree cameras kept every inch under close watch to ensure no security lapse.
Meanwhile, a large number of people gathered at Bhojshala on the call of Hindu organisations and recited the Hanuman Chalisa. Conch shells were blown, and slogans were raised during the recitation.
Vishwas Pandey of the Bhoj Utsav Samiti said the Hindu community has been reciting the Hanuman Chalisa every Friday and will continue to do so. He added that puja is performed under the right of worship granted to the Hindu community from sunrise to sunset, asserting that Bhojshala is a temple of Hindus and the abode of Mother Saraswati.
Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena confirmed that arrangements were made strictly in accordance with Supreme Court instructions, with separate entry and exit facilities for both communities. A hearing is expected before a division bench of the Supreme Court on a bunch of petitions filed by the Muslim side regarding Bhojshala.