Madhya Pradesh police were on high alert in Chhatarpur district on Friday and intensified security arrangements after the Yadav Mahasabha called a protest against Bageshwar Dham over remarks about Lord Krishna, the ANI news agency reported.

Source: ANI via APNA MA TV

The Yadav Mahasabha president, along with his supporters, was expected to reach the district during the day, while a large number of Bageshwar Dham followers and supporters had also gathered to stage a counter-protest, ANI said. Dainik Jagran's Madhya Pradesh coverage had earlier reported the announcement of a rally on November 13 travelling from Sagar through Chhatarpur towards Garha village, where Bageshwar Dham is located, with Yadav community youth president Shishupal Yadav claiming a very large turnout.

Source: Dainik Jagran MP-CG

Amid concerns over a possible face-off between the two sides, heavy police personnel were deployed in the district, with additional forces called in from other districts. Multiple layers of barricading were put in place, and police kept watch through CCTV cameras, drones and other surveillance mechanisms, according to ANI.

Superintendent of Police (Chhatarpur) Rajat Saklecha said local police personnel, forces from outside and station in-charges from other police stations had been called in, and that discussions had been held with the organisers and all parties concerned. He said the programme was being conducted with everyone's consent and that police would ensure peace in the city and district was not disturbed.

On social media monitoring, Saklecha said some objectionable comments had been posted by individuals since Thursday afternoon. Most of those comments had been deleted, and action had been taken against those involved, including binding them down and serving notices, so that no social disharmony was spread, he said.

The controversy followed remarks by Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri while describing Lord Krishna and Lord Ram at an event. Shastri later clarified his remarks and apologised to anyone whose sentiments were hurt, saying his words were made in an emotional and devotional context and were being misinterpreted after people watched only a portion of the video. He said he was himself a devotee and that there was no difference between Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.

Bageshwar Dham supporters, meanwhile, issued a warning to those expected to arrive for the protest, saying Sanatan followers had assembled to oppose anyone making remarks against Bageshwar Dham or Hinduism, ANI reported.