Dhar (Madhya Pradesh) [India], January 23 : A procession being taken out by Hindu organisations reached Bhojshala on Friday, where prayers are being offered on the occasion of Basant Panchami, following the Supreme Court order allowing Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex.
Horse-mounted police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed for security at the Bhojshala after the SC's order on Friday.
Earlier, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dhar Mayank Awasthi assured that the security is uptight with all the camera and drone arrangements equipped with AI technology in order to ensure safety and a smooth conduct of the 'Shobha Yatra'.
"Detailed security preparations with deployment of police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force done. Dhar has been divided into 7 zones monitored by SP-level rank officers. Real-time monitoring using drones and CCTV cameras is underway. Cameras have been installed, and all the feed of the cameras are in our control room. This time we have used AI technology in our drones to detect any abnormal activity..." he said.
Speaking on the crowd management, he said, "We have created diversion points for vehicles and ensured parking facilities, and drones will be used to monitor the route to be taken by 'Shobha Yatra'... CRPF and RAF personnel have been deployed on the route. As per SC orders, separate exit/entry points."
Dhar District Collector Priyank Mishra said, "Everything will happen without any hindrance."
A devotee who was present at the festivities today at the Bhojshala complex said that a separate space for reading Namaaz will be allocated, which will allow the Akhand puja to be held simultaneously.
"Akhand puja has started here. The administration will provide a separate space for offering namaz. The administration has made good preparations and arrangements. The Akhand Puja will continue while Namaaz will be read in a separate space..." he said.
Meanwhile, Basant Panchami prayers and celebrations commenced at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar on Friday, following a Supreme Court order allowing both Hindu and Muslim communities to perform their respective religious rituals at the site.