Panic Near Bageshwar Dham as Police Launch Surprise Operation.

Bageshwar Dham Police Raid Sparks Panic in Chhatarpur, Hotels and Homestays Under Scanner

A surprise police raid at Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur created panic among local businesses after complaints of irregular and antisocial activities. Acting on inputs from village authorities and the temple committee, police inspected the religious complex, nearby hotels, homestays, and transport operators. The operation uncovered documentation lapses, prompted strict warnings, and imposed compliance deadlines, signalling heightened security and monitoring around one of Madhya Pradesh’s most prominent pilgrimage centres.

Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh:

A sudden police raid at Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur district triggered panic on Saturday, as heavy police deployment conducted extensive searches across the religious complex and surrounding commercial establishments.

The unexpected operation created alarm among hotel, dhaba, and homestay operators in the Bageshwar Dham area, many of whom rushed to verify records and compliance documents.

Police sources confirmed the raid followed multiple complaints alleging the presence of antisocial elements and suspected immoral activities in and around the prominent pilgrimage destination.

Based on these inputs, senior officials authorised an immediate search operation to verify identities, activities, and regulatory compliance within the temple premises and nearby accommodations.

Complaints Prompt SP to Order Search Operation

According to officials, recent complaints were submitted by the Bageshwar Dham Committee, the village sarpanch, and members of the Gram Raksha Samiti to Chhatarpur Superintendent of Police Agam Jain.

The complaints flagged concerns over unauthorised stays, suspicious long-term occupants, and possible misuse of facilities surrounding the religious complex.

Taking the allegations seriously, SP Agam Jain constituted a special police team to conduct a surprise inspection without prior notice.

The operation was led by Khajuraho Sub-Divisional Police Officer Manmohan Singh Baghel, indicating the seriousness attached to the reported irregularities.

Heavy Police Presence Conducts Area-Wide Searches

On Saturday morning, police teams entered Bageshwar Dham and carried out detailed searches of the premises, questioning individuals present inside the complex.

Simultaneously, police teams spread across nearby hotels, homestays, dhabas, and guest houses, checking compliance with lodging and verification regulations.

Officers examined whether accommodation providers were maintaining mandatory guest registers, identity proofs, and CCTV surveillance, as required under state safety guidelines.

The sudden action caused visible tension among local operators, many of whom were reportedly unprepared for the surprise inspection.

Hotels and Homestays Found Lacking Compliance

Police teams inspected several establishments, including guest houses where long-term occupants were reportedly staying without proper documentation.

At one guest house, officers checked entry registers and found missing Aadhaar details, mobile numbers, and incomplete identity verification of guests, according to officials.

Police warned operators that failure to maintain updated records poses serious security risks, especially in sensitive religious and tourist locations.

Operators were instructed to immediately correct deficiencies and ensure full compliance with lodging regulations.

Also Read: ₹400 Cr Container Racket? Nashik Kidnapping FIR Shocks State.

Two-Day Deadline Issued to Operators

SDOP Manmohan Singh Baghel directed all hotel, homestay, and guest house operators to submit complete documentation within two days.

He warned that strict legal action would follow if operators failed to maintain registers, CCTV systems, and verified guest details after the deadline.

The police also issued clear instructions to submit operating permissions and registration certificates to local authorities.

Officials emphasised that repeated violations would lead to closures and prosecution under relevant laws.

E-Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers Also Warned

The police operation extended beyond accommodation facilities to include e-rickshaw and taxi operators servicing the Bageshwar Dham area.

Drivers were instructed to limit passenger numbers strictly and avoid ferrying unidentified individuals in violation of transport safety rules.

Police warned that non-compliance would invite immediate penalties, vehicle seizures, and legal action under traffic and public safety laws.

The move aims to curb unauthorised movement and enhance overall security around the pilgrimage centre.

Police Cite Security and Public Safety Concerns

Speaking to media, SDOP Manmohan Singh Baghel said inspections revealed multiple shortcomings across establishments near the temple complex.

He stated that several registers lacked verified identity proofs, updated contact numbers, and CCTV footage, raising red flags for law enforcement.

Baghel clarified that the operation was preventive in nature and focused on maintaining law, order, and safety in a high-footfall religious area.

He added that police would conduct follow-up inspections to ensure sustained compliance.

Wider Focus on Regulation Around Religious Sites

The raid has sparked broader discussions on the need for stricter regulation of commercial activities around major religious destinations.

Security experts note that unregulated lodging facilities near pilgrimage centres often become vulnerable to misuse if oversight is weak.

Authorities indicated similar inspections may be conducted at other sensitive locations across the district based on intelligence inputs.

The investigation and compliance drive remain ongoing, with police urging cooperation from all stakeholders to maintain safety and transparency.

Controversies Surrounding Bageshwar Dham

Ambulance Intercepted Near MP–UP Border

Late Monday night, police intercepted an ambulance near the Madhya Pradesh–Uttar Pradesh border after receiving a Dial-100 alert about women allegedly being transported against their will.

Dial-100 Call Triggers Police Action

Around 9 pm, Lavkush Nagar police received an emergency call claiming an ambulance was carrying 13 women forcibly, prompting immediate pursuit and interception near the Patha police outpost.

Thirteen Women Brought for Police Questioning

Police stopped the ambulance and safely brought all women to Lavkush Nagar police station, where they were questioned to ascertain circumstances surrounding their transportation.

Link to Bageshwar Dham Emerges

During preliminary questioning, police were informed that the women had been sent from the Bageshwar Dham premises, raising questions about the role of the temple management.

Allegations of Theft Inside Dham Premises

A sevadar travelling in the ambulance claimed the women were suspected of chain-snatching and theft incidents in crowded areas of Bageshwar Dham, though no FIR details have been publicly confirmed yet.

Claim of Dropping Women at Railway Station

The sevadar stated that the women had been warned earlier and were being taken to Mahoba railway station in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly as a preventive step by the management.

Questions Over Use of Ambulance at Night

The decision to transport the women at night, using an ambulance, and without police coordination has sparked public concern and raised serious legal and ethical questions.

Absence of Official Statement

So far, Bageshwar Dham authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the incident, despite repeated attempts by media to seek clarification.

Unverified Videos Circulating Privately

Some videos related to the incident are reportedly being shared privately, but their authenticity has not been independently verified, and no official footage has been released.

Police Investigation Underway

Police are investigating whether any laws were violated during the transportation of the women and are examining responsibility, procedure, and possible misuse of emergency services.

Media Scrutiny and Investigative Exposure

Investigative journalist Unmesh Gujarathi and the Sprouts News SIT have consistently challenged alleged fraud by self-styled godmen, including figures linked to Bageshwar Dham, exposing controversial activities and previously unreported aspects through sustained investigative reporting.