First Friday after Bhojshala ruling: ‘Maha aarti’ by Hindu groups, Muslims pray at home

Under the watch of nearly 1,800 security personnel deployed across Dhar, the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex witnessed its first ‘maha aarti’ by Hindu groups, while Muslims who say their right to offer namaaz at the structure still stands chose to offer prayers in the confines of their homes as a sign of protest.

Barricades ringed the approach roads to the complex from early morning Friday, while RAF, QRF and STF personnel patrolled sensitive areas across the town. Police conducted flag marches through Dhar Thursday night ahead of the prayers and ceremonies, with officers monitoring social media and maintaining additional pickets in Muslim-majority localities. The Maha aarti comes after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has granted the Hindus unrestricted access to the monument at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh for worship and other purposes, police said.

Dhar Superintendent of Police said the administration would permit only those rituals allowed under the Madhya Pradesh High Court order.

“Only puja that has been permitted following the orders and directions of the honourable High Court will be conducted here. Apart from this, we have made adequate security arrangements within the premises, around the area, and across the entire city,” Sharma said. He added that discussions had been held with community representatives and that all sides had agreed to follow the court’s directions.