Namaz and Puja Held on the Same Day in Dhar: Tight Security, Drone-AI Surveillance and Controlled Timings in Bhojshala

What happened: Puja began at sunrise while namaz is scheduled from 1 pm to 3 pm at the disputed Bhojshala site in Dhar.

• Why it matters now: Authorities activated a high-security protocol due to heightened sensitivities on Basant Panchami.

• What changes for people: Movement around the complex is restricted, with aerial monitoring and controlled entry throughout the day.

• Who is affected: Residents of Dhar, visitors to the Bhojshala complex, and local traders near the security perimeter.

The administration in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, has implemented one of its most extensive security arrangements in recent years after allowing both puja and namaz on the same day at the contentious Bhojshala complex. The arrangement, made specifically for Basant Panchami, sets fixed time slots for each group and introduces new layers of surveillance to prevent tension.

Puja at sunrise, namaz at noon under strict coordination

Officials confirmed that the Hindu community began puja activities at sunrise, as permitted annually. The complex will shift into restricted mode around 1 pm, when Friday namaz is scheduled until 3 pm. After that, the site will reopen for puja rituals in the evening.

This time-sharing schedule has been enforced in the past as well, but the heightened footfall expected on 23 January prompted the state to introduce tighter controls.

8000 personnel deployed, drone-AI monitoring activated

According to the Madhya Pradesh Police, more than 8000 security personnel have been stationed across Dhar district, forming a multilayer cordon around Bhojshala.

Senior officials stated that AI-assisted drones and ground-level video surveillance are being used to monitor crowd density, identify congestion, and track movement around sensitive sectors. Barricades have been erected within a large no-movement zone, and only verified entry is being allowed.

Why the security upgrade matters

Bhojshala has seen multiple flashpoints over the years. With Basant Panchami coinciding with Friday prayers this year, officials from the Home Department reviewed protocols to ensure uninterrupted rituals for both groups while maintaining law and order.

Public safety remains the core priority. Local markets are open, but shopkeepers near the complex reported reduced movement due to checkpoints and restricted lanes. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel within the sealed zones.

Officials stress peaceful coordination

District administrators said the day’s schedule is being supervised minute by minute. They reiterated that both puja and namaz will proceed under the previously issued orders and that all participants must follow the timings decided for the day.

Police teams will remain deployed until late evening as the situation continues to be monitored.