Tension gripped Jalore district in Rajasthan on Sunday when storyteller Abhay Das Maharaj was prevented from visiting the historic Biosa Mata temple. The administration took this step due to fears of communal tension, which angered the Maharaj, who not only protested but also climbed onto the fort's roof and announced a fast until death. This led to a clash between his supporters and the police.
How the Dispute Started
Abhay Das Maharaj, who arrived in Jalore from Bharat Mata Temple in Takhatgarh, Pali district, as part of the Shravan Maasya Samrasta Chaturmas Mahotsav, was conducting an eight-day Bhagwat Katha. During this Katha, he allegedly made a controversial comment regarding a shrine near the Biosa Mata temple, prompting the local administration to take notice.
On Saturday, when the Maharaj set out for the temple with his supporters, police prevented him from entering. From the stage, he openly challenged, "I will definitely visit the Mata, let anyone stop me if they can." The very next day, Sunday, he marched towards the temple with Bajrang Dal members and hundreds of supporters.
Dodging the Police to Reach the Colony
As Abhay Das's convoy approached the temple valley, police blocked the way. However, the Maharaj dodged the police and entered Kalka Colony via the Bhinmal Road bypass in the city, climbing onto the roof of a house.
From there, he went live on social media, making serious allegations against the administration and the government. He stated, "Until Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and a minister walk with me to visit the Mata, I will fast without food or water right here."
He also said that if Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg had been in Jalore, the administration would never have stopped him. Furthermore, he alleged that the police tore his clothes and used batons on his supporters.
Police Officers Injured by Mob Pelting Stones
The matter escalated when a large crowd became uncontrollable and began pelting stones at the police. Several police officers, including the Additional SP, were injured in the attack. They were immediately admitted to the hospital. On the other hand, supporters protested, blocked the road, and shouted slogans against the administration.
Seeing the situation deteriorating, additional police force was called to the scene, and the area was turned into a cantonment.
SP's Statement
Reacting to the incident, District Superintendent of Police Gyanchand Yadav clarified that the Maharaj was not prevented from visiting the Mata, but from entering the temple with a large crowd.
He explained that the Maharaj had already made controversial remarks about encroachment during the Katha recitation, which made the atmosphere sensitive. For this reason, the administration had permitted him to visit in limited numbers and in a queue. However, the Maharaj announced that he would go to the temple with a large number of people in a procession without permission.
The SP also stated that no fixed route was taken to go to the temple, nor was any prior permission obtained for it.
Viral Video and Arrests
Abhay Das Maharaj's alleged controversial statement went viral on social media, after which some youths from a particular community made objectionable comments. In this case, the police have arrested two youths.
In view of these incidents, the administration took precautionary steps by preventing the entry of crowds on the temple route to prevent communal tension and maintain peace in the city.
Close Monitoring of the Situation
Currently, the situation is under control due to the vigilance of the police and administration, but as a precaution, additional police force has been deployed in the area. Surveillance has been increased in sensitive areas, and the situation is also being monitored through drones.
The administration is seriously investigating the entire matter and is trying to establish communication with all concerned parties. At the same time, the district administration is on alert regarding Abhay Das Maharaj's fast and efforts are being made to persuade him.
