DHAR (MP): Hindu organisations called for a half-day bandh in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar city on Tuesday, alleging that the district administration was not strictly implementing the Supreme Court’s directions in the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex dispute.
Security was tightened across Dhar following the bandh call. Members of Hindu outfits also took out a motorcycle rally, urging shopkeepers and business owners to observe the shutdown. At some places, protesters were seen forcing shops to close.
Bhoj Utsav Samiti president Suresh Jalodia alleged that the Supreme Court had directed Muslims to offer Friday prayers at Survey No. 596, but the administration had instead designated Survey No. 612, located near the Bhojshala complex.
“This also blocks the road to the Bhojshala temple. In protest, the Sakal Hindu Samaj has called for a bandh till noon today in Dhar city,” Jalodia said.
City Superintendent of Police Shashank Singh Gurjar said the situation was peaceful and under control. He said the administration was ensuring that the bandh remained voluntary and that no one was forced to shut their establishment.
Residents were also urged to ignore rumours and immediately inform police if they faced harassment or pressure to close their shops.
The bandh was supported by local hotelier Pradeep Rathore, who said the prayer site should be at least 300 metres from Bhojshala.
In May, the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The matter later reached the Supreme Court, which directed the state government to facilitate Friday prayers for the Muslim community at the adjacent Dargah complex between 1 pm and 3 pm.
The district administration subsequently arranged prayers at Survey No. 612, where the Muslim community has been offering prayers for the past few weeks.
The Muslim side claims the 11th-century monument is the Kamal Maula Mosque, while the Hindu side maintains that it was a temple built by Parmar dynasty ruler King Bhoj.
Following the court proceedings, large numbers of devotees visit the monument every Tuesday to offer prayers, recite Saraswati Vandana and Hanuman Chalisa, and perform havan.