Prayagraj’s sacred Magh Mela turned tense as a lathi-toting crowd tried storming Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s camp, shouting contentious slogans and clashing with guards. The Shankaracharya’s urgent police notice details threats to life and property, demanding stringent measures amid a week-long protest saga.
The melee unfolded Saturday dusk near Sector 4, Triveni Marg. From 6:30 to 7:30 PM, outsiders with sticks and bhagwa flags pushed boundaries, intent on disruption. Volunteers repelled them amid fisticuffs, with attackers allegedly yelling ‘I love Bulldozer Baba’ – a phrase stoking controversy.
In his Kalpavasi thana filing, the spiritual head underscored risks to devotees and infrastructure. He called for immediate FIRs, perimeter security, and vowed that repeat intrusions could trigger catastrophe. Liability for breaches squarely rests with officials, the complaint asserts.
Roots trace to Mauni Amavasya, when palanquin restrictions barred ceremonial baths, birthing the seven-day sit-in. Post-clash, Swami Avimukteshwaranand abandoned his palanquin for safer confines in a vanity van.
As throngs converge for purifying dips at the Triveni Sangam, this breach exposes vulnerabilities in crowd control. Faith leaders and pilgrims alike voice concerns, pressing for dialogue over discord. The coming days will test the administration’s mettle in balancing devotion with discipline, ensuring the mela’s sanctity endures.