Kalyan News: Tension At Durgadi Fort As Rival Shiv Sena Factions Hold Protests During Eid Prayers

Tension gripped the Durgadi Fort area in Kalyan on Saturday as workers from both factions of the Shiv Sena attempted to reach the Durga temple atop the hill while Eid ul-Azha prayers were being offered at the Idgah at the foothills.

Police detained several protesters for violating prohibitory orders.

Durgadi Fort, a site of religious significance for both Hindus and Muslims, has long housed places of worship for both communities. On Bakri Eid, large numbers of Muslims gather at the Idgah section of the fort for prayers. As a precautionary measure to maintain communal harmony, the temple located on the other side of the fort is kept closed to devotees during this time.

However, on Saturday, members and leaders of both Shiv Sena factions organised parallel ghanta naad protests, symbolic bell-ringing demonstrations, near the fort. Traditionally seen as a show of strength, ghanta naad was initiated by late Shiv Sena leader Dharamveer Anand Dighe.

During the protest, Shiv Sena workers, including Mahesh Gaikwad and Gopal Landage, reportedly attempted to breach police barricades near the fort's main entrance, despite being restricted from entering the temple premises.

A Shiv Sena leader claimed that since 1982, the party has been organising the ghanta naad andolan on Bakri Eid, as they are barred by authorities from worshipping at the temple on that day.

To prevent clashes between rival groups and ensure peace, the local police maintained heavy security around the fort and nearby areas.

Kalyan MLA Vishwanath Bhoir said, “We demanded entry into the temple while Muslims were offering namaz. We raised the issue, but the administration ignored it. That is why we are forced to stage this protest every year.”