Stringent Prohibitory Orders Imposed in Gwalior Ahead of IND vs BAN T20I Match Amid 'Bandh' Scare

After the culmination of the India vs Bangladesh Test series, both sides will lock horns in white-ball cricket in various regions of India. The first T20I is all set to take place at the Gwalior International Cricket Stadium, and it will be hosting an international match after a 14-year gap. However, the situation in Gwalior is tense after the unrest in Bangladesh as the Hindu Mahasabha has been calling for a 'bandh' on the match day. Amid the tense scenario, the local authorities are ensuring all safety protocols and have been taking necessary measures to make sure that the players are safe and the match takes place without any interruptions.

Also Read: Hindu Mahasabha calls for 'Gwalior Bandh' during India vs Bangladesh T20I cricket match

Gwalior Administration Set Stringent Protocols Ahead of IND vs BAN 1st T20I at Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium

To keep the peace and guarantee a trouble-free T20I cricket match between India and Bangladesh in Gwalior, the district magistrate issued prohibitive decrees on Thursday, prohibiting rallies and the dissemination of provocative content, particularly on social media platforms.

The orders will remain in force till October 7 and respond to a 'Gwalior bandh' call given by the Hindu Mahasabha on the match day (Oct 6) and protests by other organizations. The right-wing group protested on Wednesday, calling for the match to be called off due to "atrocities" against Hindus in Bangladesh , which resulted in violent protests, political unrest, and an immediate government change.

Also Read: IND vs BAN: India Stun Bangladesh With A Seven Wicket Win, Seal Series 2-0 In A Rain-Curtailed Match

As per the directives, anyone found within the district's boundaries who uses social media to disturb an international match or stir up religious sentiments will be dealt with accordingly. Prohibited items include flags, posters, banners, cutouts, and other items with offensive or divisive words or messages. The administration has declared that during this time, protests and the burning of effigies in public or private spaces will be prohibited.

It's also forbidden to carry guns, be in groups of five or more, and carry both sharp and blunt weapons like swords and spears. Moreover, use of combustible materials like acid, kerosene, and petrol within 200 meters of any building is prohibited. Over 1600 police personnel would be deployed for the traffic management and security of the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium.

[With PTI Inputs]