Surat/Bharuch: Members of a socio-religious organisation on Monday organised a rally and submitted a memorandum to Bharuch Collector Dr Navnath Gawhane, alleging that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) failed to protect Hindu and Jain idols and structures allegedly located within the ASI-protected Jama Masjid monument in Bharuch.
Rally and Memorandum Details
The rally was organised by the Aitihaasik Jain Mandir, Shri Chakradhar Swami Janma Sthal Rashtriya Dharohar Samrakshan Samiti, Bharuch. The committee claimed that 3,000 people participated in the event. In the memorandum, the committee alleged that the monument was originally a Jain shrine called Samdi Vihar and was also the birthplace of Shri Chakradhar Swami, founder of the Mahanubhav Sampraday.
Swami Mukteshwaranand, a member of the committee, told TOI, “It was a peaceful rally. We urged the collector to ensure that preservation norms for ASI-protected monuments are strictly followed. Several structures have allegedly been created inside the monument premises in violation of the rules. We submitted a memorandum carrying the signatures of 31,000 people from Bharuch and Maharashtra.”
Jama Masjid Trustee's Response
Meanwhile, Jama Masjid trustee Abdul Kamthi alleged that the rally was organised without permission from the Bharuch police. “Such rallies are an attempt to disturb communal harmony in Bharuch. The monument has been associated with the Muslim community for nearly 700 years, and namaz is offered there regularly. Though police did not grant permission, the rally was allowed to proceed. We earlier submitted a memorandum to the Bharuch DSP regarding such attempts. Police also restricted us from offering prayers due to the rally,” Kamthi alleged.
Bharuch DSP Akshay Raj Makwana did not respond to TOI’s calls or messages.
Collector's Appeal
Collector Gawhane said, “We have appealed to people not to make generalised statements about the monument and not to believe rumours or misconceptions. ASI is the competent authority to take decisions regarding the monument.”
