Security tightens after SC barred Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Idgah Maidan

After the Supreme Court ordered status quo at south Bengaluru’s Idgah Maidan, barring Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, police tightened security at the disputed ground on Tuesday. (Express Photo by Jitendra M)

The Idgah Maidan has been at the centre of controversy since the Karnataka government attempted to use 2 acres and 5 guntas of the land for Ganesh Chaturti celebrations. (Express Photo by Jitendra M)

In June, reports surfaced that the Idgah land was a playground, and belongs to Brihat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city’s municipal corporation. This prompted the assistant revenue officer to issue a show cause notice to the Wakf Board to produce documents to prove its title. (Express Photo by Jitendra M)

The Wakf Board moved the Karnataka HC, which then ordered limited use of the Idgah for Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations by the government, Ramzan and Bakrid prayers for the Muslim community, and a playground for children on other occasions. (Express Photo by Jitendra M)

The state government challenged the order before a two-judge Bench the next day. The HC later modified the order to allow “religious and cultural activities” from August 31. (Express Photo by Jitendra M)

As the state government gave a nod to the celebration of the Ganesh festival on the ground, Bengaluru Urban district received five applications to install a Ganesha idol. In response, the Idgah challenged the government’s order before the Supreme Court. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)

The Bengaluru city's Jama Masjid imam Maulana Maqsood Imran welcomed the SC's order barring the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi at the ground. “We welcome the order of the Supreme Court but will continue our fight for the ownership of the land. Besides offering prayers on Ramzan and Bakrid, let the ground be a public space for children to play or cows to graze. We are not in favour of allowing other religious activity at the ground,” said the imam. (Express Photo by Jitendra M)

Heavy security has been deployed at the Maidan following the apex court's order. Deputy commissioner of police (west) Laxman B Nimbargi said, "Three deputy commissioners, 100 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police, 21 assistant commissioners of police, 47 police inspectors, 130 sub-inspectors, 126 assistant sub-inspectors, 900 constables, 120 Rapid Action Force personnel and 100 personnel from the special weapons and tactics wing have been deployed." (Express Photo by Jithendra M)