Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have intensified security arrangements ahead of the expected verdict in the long-pending Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute in Dhar. The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court is likely to pronounce its decision on Friday after hearings on multiple petitions and intervention applications concluded earlier this month.

The development has become one of the biggest India News Update stories in the state because of the religious sensitivity associated with the Bhojshala complex. Administration officials in both Dhar and Indore districts have been placed on high alert, while police and reserve forces have been deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order. Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena and Superintendent of Police Sachin Sharma visited the Bhojshala premises early Friday to review security arrangements. Officials inspected deployment points and monitored the situation inside and outside the disputed complex before leaving the area.

Police personnel have been stationed across the Bhojshala premises and surrounding localities. Authorities said special precautions were necessary because Friday coincides with Jumma prayers traditionally offered by members of the Muslim community at the site under the existing arrangement. Officials confirmed that nearly 1,200 police personnel from across the district have been deployed for security duty. Dhar city has reportedly been divided into 12 security layers to ensure complete monitoring of sensitive areas and quick response in case of any disturbance.

Senior police officials reviewed preparations at the district control room and instructed security teams to remain vigilant throughout the day. Reserve police forces and Rapid Action Force personnel have also been kept on standby. The administration appealed to residents of all communities to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours or unverified information. Authorities said strict monitoring of social media platforms is underway and legal action would be taken against anyone found posting inflammatory or misleading content.

Meanwhile, members associated with Hindu organisations gathered near the Bhojshala premises and recited Hanuman Chalisa at nearby temples. Officials maintained close surveillance to ensure that religious activities remained peaceful and within permitted limits. The Bhojshala dispute has remained one of the most sensitive religious and legal issues in Madhya Pradesh for several years. The latest legal proceedings began in 2022 when petitioner Ranjana Agnihotri and others, representing Hindu Front for Justice, approached the High Court seeking declaration of the site’s religious character and full rights for Hindu worship.

The petition demanded uninterrupted पूजा and regular worship rights for Hindus at the Bhojshala complex. It also sought restrictions on namaz within the premises, formation of a trust for management of the site and the return of the idol of Goddess Vagdevi currently housed in the British Museum.

During the hearing, the Hindu side argued that Bhojshala is an ancient temple of Goddess Saraswati and historically functioned as a centre of learning during the rule of Paramara king Bhoj. Advocates referred to ASI survey findings, inscriptions, architectural remains and historical literature to support their claims.

Advocate Manish Gupta reportedly cited references from the ancient text Samarangana Sutradhara and argued that the structure matched traditional temple architecture described during King Bhoj’s era.

On the other hand, the Muslim side maintained before the court that the site has long functioned as Kamal Maula Mosque and argued that questions regarding religious character should be decided by a civil court. Senior advocate Salman Khurshid also raised objections regarding the clarity and interpretation of the Archaeological Survey of India’s scientific survey findings.

The ASI had conducted a 98-day scientific survey of the Bhojshala complex in 2024 following court directions. The findings later became a major point of discussion during arguments before the High Court. Earlier this year, on January 23, 2026, the Supreme Court permitted uninterrupted worship at Bhojshala throughout Vasant Panchami celebrations. Following this, regular hearings in the High Court continued from April 6 until May 12, after which the verdict was reserved.

The dispute has witnessed several tense moments over the years, especially when Vasant Panchami and Friday prayers coincided on the same day. Similar situations in 2013 and 2016 had led to heightened tension and heavy security deployment in Dhar. Under the current administrative arrangement in place since 2003, Hindus are permitted to offer prayers every Tuesday and on Vasant Panchami, while the Muslim community is allowed to offer Friday namaz at the complex. The site remains open to tourists on other days.

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NEET UG 2026: Rewa readies 12 centres amid tight security

District gears up for May 3 medical entrance test with anti-cheating focus and on-ground inspections to ensure fair play.

Rewa administration has swung into action for the NEET UG 2026 exam scheduled for May 3, setting up 12 centres across the district. Officials are leaving no stone unturned to conduct the high-stakes medical entrance test smoothly and without incidents of malpractice.

Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi and Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh Chauhan carried out inspections at several centres on Thursday. They checked facilities on the ground and issued directions to centre heads.

Anti-cheating drive intensifies

Authorities have ramped up surveillance to curb cheating, a persistent concern in such exams. Adequate police personnel will be deployed at all 12 centres, keeping a close watch on security arrangements.

Initial reports indicate jammers and CCTV cameras will be in place to prevent any electronic malpractice. Additional District Collector Sapna Tripathi joined the inspection rounds, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Local sources said the measures stem from past incidents where leaks and unfair practices marred similar tests. "We are in full alert mode," one official remarked during the visit.

Facilities get thorough check

The collector stressed that examinees should face no hassles. He directed centre in-charges to maintain drinking water, toilets, seating, electricity, and other essentials in top order.

Inspections covered morning hours, with teams moving from one site to another. Centre supervisors reported ongoing preparations, including biometric checks and document verification protocols.

Students have been urged to arrive early, carry admit cards and required IDs, and follow rules strictly. This comes as thousands of aspirants from Rewa and nearby areas gear up for the single-day showdown.

Why Rewa matters for NEET

Rewa, in Madhya Pradesh's Vindhya region, hosts a significant number of NEET candidates every year. The district's 12 centres cater to local talent aiming for medical and dental seats across India.

Background checks show NEET UG remains the gateway to over 1 lakh MBBS and BDS seats nationwide. With competition fiercer than ever—lakhs appearing for limited spots—fairness is paramount.

Past years saw disruptions in MP districts due to paper leaks, prompting stricter national guidelines this time around.

Public appeal for cooperation

Administration sources familiar with the matter said coordination with local bodies is underway. Traffic management around centres and quick-response teams are also on standby.

Examinees and parents have welcomed the proactive steps. "It's reassuring to see such vigilance," a local coaching centre owner noted, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The district magistrate reiterated that any violation will invite strict action under exam laws.

What's next on May 3

Come Saturday, gates will likely open early morning, with exams running through the day. Post-exam, answer keys and results timelines will follow National Testing Agency protocols.

For now, Rewa stays focused on pulling off a glitch-free NEET UG 2026. Officials expect full compliance from all sides, setting the stage for aspiring doctors to compete on merit.