Kanwariyas breach Ujjain Mahakal Temple barriers; 30 booked after security clash

Around 100 Kanwariyas from Omkareshwar arrived at Ujjain's Mahakal Temple on Wednesday, many wearing black T-shirts bearing Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad insignia. During darshan, they attempted to enter Nandi Hall, a restricted area, and breached security barricades when stopped by temple guards.

Four temple security personnel were injured in the ensuing scuffle, with two sustaining serious head and leg injuries. Police detained the suspects and booked 30 people under an FIR filed at Mahakal police station. The Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee said the group damaged barricades and crowd-control structures while attempting unauthorised sanctum sanctorum entry and moving donation boxes.

Authorities said those responsible would face legal action. The incident highlights security challenges during peak pilgrimage periods at one of India's 12 Jyotirlingas.