Madhya Pradesh police has deployed more than 1,500 cops, drones and huge surveillance system around the historic Bhojshala complex ahead of the prayers and worship to be held on Friday, after a recent high court ruling made it a Vagdevi temple.
The security measures in the city of Dhar have been stepped up considerably as this will be the first Friday after the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 15 ruled the controversial Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex a temple dedicated to the Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). The court also cancelled a previous order of the Archaeological Survey of India allowing Muslims to offer their prayers (namaz) at the site on Fridays.
The Bhoj Utsav Samiti has invited Hindu fraternities to hold an “akhand puja” inside the complex, which it has declared as the first collective worship in the premises of the complex in over 700 years.
“A nine-layer security mechanism has been established, such as checking vehicles, mobile patrolling teams, security drones have been installed and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance of the monument and nearby area has been put in place,” Dhar Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma told a news conference.
The district administration has appealed to both communities to maintain peace and strictly follow court directions. A meeting of the peace committee was also held in the presence of Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena and senior police officials to ensure law and order.
Hindu organizations celebrated at the complex earlier this week, with fireworks displays and prayers. The police has cautioned against rumours, provocative content on social media platforms, warning that anyone who tries to cause communal tension will face strict action.