Security heightened in Bharuch over proposed gathering at Jama Masjid

Bharuch police and the district administration have stepped up security measures and intensified monitoring across the town after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) expressed apprehension that a proposed gathering of nearly 5,000 people on June 15 over the upkeep of Jain and Hindu idols inside the protected Jama Masjid monument could trigger communal tension and pose a threat to the structure.

Over the last few days, a socio-religious group has claimed that Hindu and Jain idols and relics have been found within the monument and deserve greater protection and maintenance. The organisation, ‘Aitihaasik Jain Mandir, Shri Chakradhar Swami Janma Sthal Rashtriya Dharohar Samrakshan Samiti, Bharuch’, claims that the monument contains remnants associated with Hindu and Jain traditions, including the birthplace of Chakradhar Swami, founder of the Mahanubhav Panth, and the Jain shrine Samdi Vihar.

Swami Mukteshwaranand, a member of the committee spearheading the campaign, said, “We possess a video recorded in the presence of an ASI official which shows ancient idols lying in poor condition on the ground floor of the monument. We are not disturbing peace or objecting to prayers at the mosque. We only seek proper respect and preservation of idols associated with Hindu and Jain traditions.”

Mukteshwaranand claimed that around 5,000 people are expected to gather at Hostel Ground on June 15 before marching to the collector’s office to submit their demands regarding the preservation of the idols and relics. A video purportedly shot in March this year has also gone viral on social media. The video allegedly shows idols inside the monument and has been widely circulated by those supporting the campaign.

Abdul Kamthi, a trustee of Jama Masjid, said the monument is protected by the ASI and access to restricted areas is allowed only with official permission. “We contacted the ASI to verify whether any permission had been granted to record the video inside this protected structure. The ASI clearly informed us that no permission has been issued. Muslims have been offering prayers here peacefully for nearly 700 years, and people from different faiths have also visited the site. Some groups are trying to disturb the peace of Bharuch. Similar attempts have been made in the past. We have requested the collector and police to maintain law and order on June 15,” Kamthi said.

Amid growing discussions around the issue, the president of Jama Masjid wrote to the ASI expressing concern over the proposed gathering. Acting on the representation, the ASI wrote to Bharuch Collector Dr Navnath Gawhane, warning that videos calling for a gathering at the centrally protected monument were circulating on social media. In its letter, the ASI stated that because the monument is sensitive in nature, there was a possibility of untoward incidents. It further warned that such gatherings could affect communal harmony and potentially cause physical damage to the protected structure. The ASI requested the district administration to make appropriate arrangements for safeguarding the monument.

Following the ASI’s communication, the collector issued a notification under provisions of the Gujarat Police Act, directing people to strictly adhere to ASI regulations governing the monument and to follow police instructions in the event of a large gathering. Dr Navnath Gawhane and Bharuch Superintendent of Police Akshay Raj Makwana did not respond to TOI’s calls or messages seeking comment.