GWALIOR, Oct 4: In the lead-up to the T20I cricket match between India and Bangladesh in Gwalior, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders to ensure peace and prevent disruptions. District Magistrate Ruchika Chauhan issued the orders under section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning protests and the circulation of inflammatory content, particularly on social media, officials reported.
The orders, effective until October 7, follow a ‘Gwalior bandh’ call for October 6 by the Hindu Mahasabha, protesting the match due to alleged “atrocities” against Hindus in Bangladesh. Violent demonstrations, political unrest, and a change in government occurred in Bangladesh in August, leading to heightened tensions.
On Wednesday (October 2), the right-wing group staged a protest demanding the match’s cancellation. Gwalior’s Superintendent of Police (SP) recommended the prohibitory orders to prevent unrest, noting that various organizations were holding processions, demonstrations, and effigy burnings. The SP highlighted concerns about communal tensions fueled by objectionable content shared on social media platforms.
The prohibitory orders ban inflammatory banners, posters, cut-outs, and flags. Demonstrations, effigy burnings, and gatherings of five or more people are also prohibited, as are carrying weapons such as swords, spears, and firearms. The use of inflammable substances like kerosene, petrol, and acid is forbidden within 200 meters of any building.
The India-Bangladesh match is scheduled for October 6 at the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, which is hosting an international game after a 14-year hiatus. To ensure security and smooth traffic management, around 1,600 policemen will be deployed during the event.
