Outrage gripped the Magh Mela after anti-social elements wielding lathis and flags assaulted the outer reaches of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s site, igniting fears of wider unrest. The Swami’s police petition paints a dire picture, seeking FIRs and fortified defenses in the heart of Prayagraj’s spiritual epicenter.
Clocking in from 6:30 PM Saturday, the intruders’ aggressive push met resistance from aides, culminating in brawls. Their provocative cry – ‘I love Bulldozer Baba’ – hinted at deeper schisms, waved under saffron banners.
The formal alert to Kalpavasi station spells out dangers to the leader, worshippers, and belongings. It mandates security saturation around the Triveni Marg camp and holds authorities liable for lapses. ‘Recurrence invites peril,’ it cautions bluntly.
This flares from a palanquin blockade on Mauni Amavasya snan day, fueling a persistent protest now at seven days. The Shankaracharya, post-skirmish, relocated to a vanity van, away from the fray.
Millions flock to the mela for redemptive rituals, making such volatility a stark reminder of oversight needs. Online fervor from backers amplifies pleas for protection, challenging officials to safeguard the festival’s pious vibe. Resolution here could set precedents for harmonious mega-gatherings ahead.