NEW DELHI — A fresh dispute has erupted in Gujarat’s Bharuch city after a group of women performed Hindu worship inside the premises of the historic Jama Masjid, leading to protests from the Muslim community and raising concerns about communal harmony in the area.
The incident took place on 3 March 2026 at the Jama Masjid located opposite Pioneer School in Bharuch. A video showing several women from Surat performing puja inside the mosque compound spread widely on social media, leading to strong reactions from local residents.
Members of the Jama Masjid Trust said the act was carried out despite objections from mosque authorities. They alleged that the move was a deliberate attempt to create tension in the city.
According to trust officials, people present at the mosque tried to stop the worship when they realised what was happening. However, the video had already been recorded and later circulated online, which quickly drew public attention.
After the incident, leaders from the Muslim community and members of the Jama Masjid Trust approached the district administration and police.
Applications were submitted to the Bharuch Collector’s office, the office of the Superintendent of Police, and the B Division police station. The trust urged the authorities to take immediate action and prevent such incidents from happening again.
Jama Masjid Trust President Maulana Qureshi Ghulam Mustafa strongly criticised the incident and accused certain groups of trying to disturb peace in the city.
“We have clearly told the authorities that the mosque is a place of Muslim worship and any attempt to perform rituals of another religion inside it is unacceptable,” he said.
Maulana Mustafa added, “This act was not accidental. It was done in a planned way to create tension between communities. Bharuch has lived in peace for many years and such activities should not be allowed to damage that harmony.”
He also warned that the trust may take legal steps if strict action is not taken.
“We respect the law and the Constitution of India. But the administration must also protect religious places and prevent provocations,” he said.
The Jama Masjid Trust has made serious allegations against Hindu religious leader Muktananda Swami and some of his followers.
Trust officials claim that certain groups have been trying to create controversy around the mosque for some time by claiming that the structure was originally a Hindu temple.
According to the trust, such claims have been used to justify attempts to carry out Hindu rituals near or inside the mosque premises.
Community leaders said these actions are increasing tension and creating fear among local Muslims.
A senior member of the trust said, “If such actions continue, it will hurt communal relations. Religious places must be respected by everyone.”
While the Muslim community has raised strong objections, Muktananda Swami and his supporters have presented a different view of the dispute.
The Swami recently visited the Collector’s office in Bharuch after completing a two-month fast which he had started earlier in connection with the issue.
During a press conference held with followers of Chakradhar Swami from Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra, he criticised the functioning of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
He alleged that the authorities were not properly examining the historical background of the structure.
“The truth about this heritage site must come out,” Muktananda Swami told reporters.
“We believe the historical evidence needs to be studied carefully. The authorities should not take a one-sided view.”
During the event, he also released a book titled “A Factual History of the National Heritage Site of Bharuch.”
The book, according to him, presents historical arguments related to the site and its past.
At the same press conference, Muktananda Swami announced that religious programmes would be organised in different parts of Bharuch city and district.
He said Maha Aarti and puja events would be held in temples to promote awareness about what he described as the site’s religious importance.
He also declared that from April onward, his followers would hold a one-hour fast outside the Collector’s office every Monday.
Along with the fast, they plan to recite the Hanuman Chalisa as part of their protest activities.
“Our movement will continue peacefully,” he said. “We will raise our voice through religious and democratic methods.”
The Jama Masjid at the centre of the dispute is considered an important historical structure in Bharuch.
A portion of the mosque has been under the protection of the Archaeological Department since 1965. The site is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Because of its protected status, any changes or activities inside the premises are expected to follow government regulations.
Local historians say the building is one of the older religious structures in the region and has been used as a mosque for generations.
Muslim community members insist that the site has long been recognised as a mosque and that worship by another community inside the compound is a clear violation of its religious character.
A local resident said, “For us this is a historic mosque where our elders and families have prayed for many years. Such actions hurt the feelings of the community.”
Despite strong claims from different sides, officials say that discussions about the historical origins of the structure are still continuing.
Authorities have not yet issued any final statement about whether the site was originally built as a mosque or a temple.
Because of this, the matter remains sensitive and under discussion.
Local officials have appealed for calm and urged people not to spread rumours or provocative messages online.
Community leaders from the Muslim side have said they are committed to maintaining peace but expect the administration to protect the mosque and prevent further incidents.
A senior Muslim leader in Bharuch said, “We want peace and respect for all religions. But our places of worship must be protected. The administration must act firmly so that such incidents are not repeated.”
For now, the dispute around Bharuch’s Jama Masjid remains unresolved, with both sides preparing for further legal and public action while the authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
