Vagdevi’s idol found at 11th century-mosque in Madhya Pradesh

RSD- Madhya Pradesh news: In a shocking development, an idol of Vagdevi (goddess Saraswati) was found by the guards inside the 11th century Kamal Maula’s mosque in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. It is pertinent to mention that the idol was removed by the district administration hours after it was found on 10.09.2023.
Security forces have been deployed after a Hindu outfit threatened to hold an agitation, seeking restoration of the statue.

The site, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is considered to be Vagdevi’s temple by the Hindus however, the Muslims treat it as Kamal Maula’s mosque. Under ASI guidelines issued on April 7th, 2003, Muslims are allowed to offer namaz at the premises on Fridays and Hindus are allowed to perform prayers on Tuesdays.

Based on the complaint of the district administration, a first information report (FIR) was filed under section 456 (house trespassing), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) of Indian Penal Code against unidentified people.

This has created tensions among Shehar qazi Waqar Saddique and Bhojshala Sangarsh committee. Both of them criticized the district administration.

This has also triggered a political row with the BJP calling for the restoration of the idol in the temple while the Congress has accused the BJP of creating tension in the area ahead of the assembly elections.