MP’s Dhar District Observes Half-Day Bandh Over Bhojshala Dispute; Hindu Groups Demand Namaz Site Be Shifted Away

Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh observed a half-day bandh on Tuesday following a call by several Hindu organizations. The strike was in protest against non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s interim orders regarding the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex dispute.

The bandh started early in the morning and lasted until 2 pm, resulting in the closure of most businesses within Dhar’s main market areas. The shutdown also affected nearby towns including Sardarpur, Kukshi, Badnawar, Manawar, and Pithampur.

Essential services such as educational institutions, petrol stations, medical stores, and emergency health services continued to operate throughout the bandh.

Protest Activities and Demands

Sakal Hindu Samaj led a foot march from Laalbagh to the collectorate, where demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the collector and district magistrate. Earlier in the day, a bike rally was also organized as part of the protests.

The protestors accused authorities of not adhering to the Supreme Court’s July 30, 2026 directions concerning arrangements for Friday prayers. While the court had directed prayers to be held on land with survey number 596, protestors allege that prayers were instead organized on land numbered 612. They also stated that Hindu community representatives were not consulted prior to making these arrangements.

Security Measures and Police Deployment

Authorities implemented stringent security measures throughout Dhar, especially around the Bhojshala complex, commercial markets, and key intersections. Approximately 800 police personnel were deployed under the supervision of CSP Shashank Gurjar to maintain order.

The police urged residents to maintain peace and warned against forced closures or disturbances. The bandh proceeded without incident.

Bandh Observance in Surrounding Towns

Kukshi

In Kukshi, the Sakal Hindu Samaj and local business communities held a town-wide shutdown to protest the administration’s decision permitting namaz at a site near the historic Bhojshala. Markets remained closed as participants joined the demonstration.

Following the shutdown, Hindu community members submitted a memorandum to the Kukshi SDM, expressing that Bhojshala held significant religious importance and urging authorities to consider all sentiments before making decisions.

Badnawar

Similarly, in Badnawar, markets and the mandi closed until afternoon in response to the Dhar district shutdown call. Members of Sakal Hindu Samaj had previously requested support for the bandh.

After 12 noon, participants gathered at the bus stand and proceeded on a rally through the town to the SDM office, where they delivered a memorandum. The organization emphasized Bhojshala’s importance tied to faith and identity and called for adherence to court guidelines.

The bandh in Badnawar remained peaceful with community-wide support.

Additional Community Support Efforts

Separately, in Narsinghpur’s Lilwani village, a 62-year-old woman named Kala Bai, who suffers from a painful injury on her right hand, is awaiting the return of her son who left her near Jamanda Phata and never came back.

After days of hardship, local resident Krishna, assisted by police constable Bahadur Gamad, helped admit her to Shraddhalaya Old Age Home. The home’s staff are caring for her and working to locate her relatives.

While Kala Bai has found refuge, she continues to wait for her son.

Related stories include the arrest of a habitual knife-wielding offender in Indore.

Key Takeaways

  • Dhar district observed a half-day bandh protesting non-compliance with Supreme Court orders on the Bhojshala dispute.
  • Bandh affected multiple towns with essential services remaining operational.
  • Protestors allege prayers were held on incorrect land without Hindu community consultation.
  • Police deployed 800 personnel to maintain law and order; the bandh was peaceful.
  • Similar shutdowns and protests occurred in Kukshi and Badnawar emphasizing Bhojshala’s religious significance.
  • Community efforts included support for vulnerable individuals, such as Kala Bai in Narsinghpur.