28 May,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Heavy security deployed at Kalyan amid Eid celebrations (Pic/Screengrab from X)
Security at the historic Durgadi Fort in Kalyan has been heightened on the occasion of Eid al-Adha as devotees gathered to offer prayers at the Idgah located inside the fort complex on Thursday.
As part of the annual security protocol, the local administration temporarily restricted entry for Hindu devotees to the Durgadevi Temple on the fort premises during Eid prayers. The move triggered protests by Shiv Sena workers and several Hindu organisations, who gathered near the fort demanding uninterrupted access to the temple.
Heavy police deployment was seen in and around the fort area to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident. Furthermore, barricades were erected at key entry points, while senior police officials monitored the situation closely.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Sanjay Jadhav, while speaking to the media on Thursday, said, "Every year, a protest demonstration is held at Durgadi Fort by Hindu groups over the temporary restriction on Hindu devotees from entering the fort's temple during Eid al-Adha. In view of this, we have made all security arrangements."
Jadhav further added, "The protest has been held every year for the last 30 to 40 years. The arrangements have been made keeping in mind that both the agitation and the Eid prayers are held peacefully."
The Durgadi Fort, a historically significant site in Kalyan, houses both a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and an Idgah where Eid prayers are traditionally conducted. The issue of temporary restrictions during Eid has remained a sensitive matter for decades, often leading to demonstrations by Hindu groups.
Despite the protest, police officials said the situation remained under control, and both the Eid prayers and the demonstration concluded peacefully under tight security.
Earlier on Thursday, BJP Kirit Somaiya alleged that illegal animal slaughter for Bakrid was taking place in societies at several locations in Mumbai, including Mankhurd, Deonar and Govandi, and urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police to take action.
Somaiya alleged that illegal qurbani rituals were being carried out in several housing societies and residential complexes in Mumbai despite designated locations being available nearby for animal sacrifice.
Somaiya wrote, X: "Dozens of places are allegedly conducting illegal qurbani at Mankhurd, Deonar and Govandi in housing societies and complexes. Bakrid qurbani is being carried out despite designated markets, shops, and qurbani places being available nearby. BMC and police must act."
