Varaha March Stopped In MP’s Dhar, Over 50 Activists Detained As 800 Cops Deployed

Dhar in Madhya Pradesh saw the Varaha March thwarted on Tuesday as the administration deployed an extensive police force of over 800 officers. Over fifty activists from the Hindu organization Sanatan Prahari were detained, with ASP Vijay Dabar informing that those apprehended would be released soon. The Muslim community also sought permission to hold a vehicle rally but was denied due to the implementation of Section 163 in the city.

Prominent Hindu leaders such as Ashish Basu, Anshul Sharma, Sonu Gaikwad, and Radheshyam Yadav were among those arrested early in the morning. Police teams apprehended activists arriving from locations like Trimurti Nagar, Pattha Chowpatty, and Indore Naka. The situation escalated as activists tried to avoid detection while police sought them out.

Tensions between the administration and Sanatan Prahari erupted for several days, leading to several meetings where the administration stated the procession would not be allowed. Sanatan Prahari chief Anshul Sharma defended the march during press conferences. Vijay Mandir/Laat Masjid, a historic site, was closed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) due to ongoing reconstruction work. While Hindus gather at the site to mark Dussehra, Muslims offer prayers there during Eid.

ASI official Prashant Patankar confirmed that the site is closed for work and serves dual significance -- for Hindus and Muslims. Dhar's Superintendent of Police, Sachin Sharma, and Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena oversaw the security measures throughout the day. The Indore Metro underground corridor faced residents' opposition, with MPMRCL promising structural safety checks before any tunneling activities.