Religious observances by Hindu and Muslim communities at the historic Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar concluded peacefully on Friday amid heavy security deployment, with authorities maintaining strict vigil to prevent any untoward incident.
While the prayers were conducted without disruption, police officials said no final consensus has yet been reached between the two communities over the proposed alternate site for Friday namaz in the coming weeks.
The Muslim community offered Friday prayers at the designated place, while members of the Hindu community performed worship rituals and recited the Hanuman Chalisa after offering prayers before a portrait of Goddess Vagdevi.
Around 1,000 police personnel were deployed across the Bhojshala complex and nearby sensitive areas as part of the security arrangements. Movement around the site was regulated, and Bisleri Road was closed with barricades during the religious activities.
Due to heavy rainfall last Friday, the prayer area had turned muddy, following which the administration had suggested an alternative nearby location. However, after the Muslim community did not agree to shift, civic authorities made arrangements at the existing site by levelling the pathway and laying crushed stone to ensure smooth access.
Dhar Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma said an alternate location had been identified at 40-feet Dargah or Rakba number 639, but both communities were yet to arrive at a consensus.
“Alternate site has been marked at 40-feet Dargah or Rakba number 639 but communities have not reached consensus. If they come up with consensus, namaz will be allowed at those sites during coming Fridays,” Sharma told IANS.
The district administration remained on alert throughout the day and coordinated with police and civic officials to maintain peace at the sensitive heritage site.
The developments come amid ongoing legal proceedings related to the Bhojshala complex. A hearing on four petitions filed by the Muslim side was scheduled before a Supreme Court bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva on August 5, but the matter could not be taken up and a fresh date is awaited.
Both communities completed their scheduled religious activities peacefully, with authorities reporting no incident of disruption.