The foundation stone for a new mosque, which its organizers have named Babri Masjid, was successfully laid today in Beldañga, Murshidabad district, despite significant controversy. The event was spearheaded by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir, who, after an earlier declaration, proceeded with the ceremony using a remote control to symbolically place the foundation stone.
The event saw an immense gathering of people, as well as elaborate arrangements for security and hospitality.

International Presence and Huge Crowd

The inauguration attracted thousands of attendees, with Humayun Kabir having previously estimated a turnout of approximately 300,000 people. Adding an international and religious dimension to the ceremony, two Qazis (Islamic judges/scholars) arrived from the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. They landed at Kolkata airport this morning and were brought to the site via a special convoy.

Furthermore, a large number of minority community members traveled from distant areas, including Sandeshkhali and Canning, reportedly carrying bricks on their heads to contribute to the foundation of the new mosque.

Security Measures and Operational Scale

Given the scale and sensitive nature of the event, stringent security measures were put in place. Thousands of police personnel were deployed to manage the massive crowd and maintain order near the National Highway 12.

* Around 3,000 police personnel from Beldañga and Raninagar stations were on duty.
* An additional 19 companies of auxiliary forces were deployed as reinforcement.
* Approximately 3,000 volunteers were actively working to manage the logistics of the ceremony.
* Authorities issued an instruction for the area to be cleared by 4 PM.
Extravagant Catering and Expense Details

The foundation-laying ceremony was marked by lavish catering, focusing on a massive meal for the attendees.

According to reports, a feast of ‘Shahi Biryani’ (Royal Biryani) was organized for an estimated figure approaching 100,000 people.

* Seven local Murshidabad caterers were hired to prepare the meal.
* Sources close to Humayun Kabir indicated that 40,000 packets of Biryani were prepared for guests, along with an additional 20,000 packets for local residents.
* The expenditure on food alone is estimated to be a staggering ₹30 lakh (3 million Indian Rupees).
* The total cost, including stage construction and other logistical arrangements, is projected to exceed ₹60-70 lakh (6-7 million Indian Rupees).
* A 150-foot-long stage was constructed for the 400 special guests, incurring a cost of ₹10 lakh.

MLA Humayun Kabir remains resolute in his commitment to constructing the Babri Masjid, undeterred by the controversies surrounding the project’s name and scale.

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