Security has been significantly tightened around the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district ahead of the first Friday following the High Court verdict declaring the disputed site a Vagdevi temple. Officials said more than 1,500 police personnel, backed by drones and CCTV surveillance, have been deployed to maintain law and order.
The heightened security comes as the Bhoj Utsav Samiti has called on members of the Hindu community to gather for a collective “Akhand Puja” at the 11th-century Bhojshala complex on Friday, describing it as a historic occasion and claiming it marks the first such event in 721 years.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 15 ruled that the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). The court also quashed an earlier Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order that permitted Muslims to offer Friday namaz at the site.
Prior to the ruling, Hindus were permitted to worship at the medieval monument only on Tuesdays, while Muslims had been offering prayers there on Fridays for years. Both communities had laid claim to the structure.
Dhar Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma said a nine-layer security arrangement has been implemented around the complex. The security measures include vehicle checks, mobile patrols, drone monitoring and extensive CCTV surveillance.
Following the verdict, Hindu organisations held celebrations at the site earlier this week, including prayers and fireworks. In response, authorities convened a peace committee meeting on Wednesday attended by Collector Rajiv Ranjan Meena and SP Sharma.
Officials said the High Court’s directions would be implemented “in letter and spirit” and urged people not to fall for rumours or provocative social media content. Authorities also stressed that no new religious activity or tradition beyond what had previously been permitted would be allowed at the site.
Bhoj Utsav Samiti patron Ashok Jain said community members would gather at Dhan Mandi Square on Friday before proceeding in a procession to Bhojshala for a “Maha Aarti.”
“This Friday has come after 721 years and is linked to our self-respect. The entire Hindu community will offer prayers at Bhojshala,” Jain said.
He further claimed that Hindus had faced restrictions and recurring disputes over worship rights at the site for decades, especially during years when Basant Panchami coincided with Friday prayers.
