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

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): A half-day bandh was observed in Dhar district on Tuesday following a call by Hindu organisations demanding compliance with the Supreme Court's interim directions in the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex case.

The bandh began early in the morning and continued till 2 pm. Most business establishments in Dhar's main markets remained closed during this period.

The shutdown also had an impact in Sardarpur, Kukshi, Badnawar, Manawar and Pithampur. Essential services, including schools, colleges, petrol pumps, medical stores and health and emergency services, were exempted.

Sakal Hindu Samaj organised a foot march from Laalbagh to the collectorate, where protesters submitted a memorandum to the collector and district magistrate. A bike rally was also organised in the morning.

The organisations alleged that during the hearing of the SLP related to the Bhojshala dispute on July 30, 2026, the Supreme Court directed alternative arrangements for Friday 'namaz' on survey number 596.

They claimed prayers were instead being arranged on land bearing survey number 612 and demanded compliance with the court's directions.

The organisations also alleged that Hindu community representatives were not taken into confidence before the arrangements were made.

Tight security arrangements were made across Dhar, particularly around the Bhojshala complex, markets and major intersections.

Around 800 police personnel were reportedly deployed, with CSP Shashank Gurjar overseeing security in various areas.

Police appealed to residents to maintain peace and warned against forcibly closing shops or disturbing law and order. The situation remained under control during the bandh.

Markets remain closed in Kukshi