The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has expressed concern over a planned gathering near the historic Jami Masjid in Bharuch and has asked the district administration to take steps to protect the monument.
According to a letter dated June 10, written by the Superintending Archaeologist of ASI’s Vadodara Circle and sent to the Bharuch Collector and District Magistrate, the ASI requested that necessary measures be taken to safeguard the Jami Masjid, which is a centrally protected monument. The request comes ahead of a large gathering planned by an organisation called Rashtriya Dharohar Sanrakshan Samiti.
The ASI said videos calling for a mass gathering at the mosque have been circulating on social media. It warned that any such gathering could affect communal harmony and may cause damage to the protected monument.
The right-wing organisation has been conducting signature campaigns and public events in Bharuch since May 18 as part of a campaign to reclaim the centuries-old mosque as a Jain religious site.
On Friday, more than 2,000 people gathered at the mosque to offer Jumma prayers, which sources said was at least four times the usual attendance. It was reported that this gathering took place in response to calls for a rally by a person named Bhavesh Patel.
In its letter, the ASI stated that there was a possibility of a large gathering at the protected monument on June 15 and that videos related to it were becoming viral on social media platforms. The ASI noted that because the monument is sensitive in nature, there is a risk of an untoward incident. It also warned that such gatherings could affect communal harmony and cause physical damage to the monument.
Concerns Raised by Mosque Trustees
On Thursday, trustees of the Jami Masjid submitted several representations to the Bharuch district administration and the police. They expressed serious concerns about law and order ahead of the June 15 event.
The trustees requested adequate security arrangements and preventive measures from district authorities. Following these concerns, the ASI also asked the district collector to unlock the monument’s exit gate on Fridays so that members of the Muslim community can continue their religious observances. The ASI referred to a letter from September 2025 regarding this matter.
Administration Says Situation Under Control
Bharuch Collector N.K. Gavane told that the district administration was coordinating with all relevant agencies and that the situation remained under control.
He said the monument is managed and protected by the ASI and that there was no law-and-order problem. He added that the Bharuch Superintendent of Police (SP) office, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office, and the ASI were working to maintain the situation. He also appealed to people not to make generalised comments about the monument and not to believe rumours or misunderstandings.
About the Jami Masjid
The Jami Masjid, located near Malbari Darwaza in the Kotparsi area of Bharuch city, is more than 700 years old. As per report, five mosques were located within a 50 to 100 metre area around the Jami Masjid. Abdul Kamthi, a trustee of the Jami Masjid, said that a series of developments had taken place over the last several months.
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