TEAM HERALD
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CANACONA: A group of Mahajans from the Shri Mallikarjun Devasthan, Gaondongrem, have complained against the managing committee for alleged violation of Archaeological Act and Devasthan Regulation Act by demolishing part of Devalaya’s Agrashala and laying fresh foundation to reconstruct it.
In a complaint to the Canacona Mamlatdar, who is also Administrator of the Devalaya, Mahajans Suhas (Ramkrishna) Dessai and Milind Dessai stated, “the Devalaya Committee of Shri Mallikarjun Davasthan, Gaondongrem, has started illegal and unauthorized construction work in the temple campus from December 31.”
They have termed the construction work as in violation of Archaeological Act, as the temple is of Archaeological importance.
“The activity also involves demolishing part of Agrashala (Kothi room) of the Devalaya ~ an old but very strong structure, having high religious importance. Not only part of Agrashala is demolished, but work for foundation has started for re-construction, which is not permitted at that place due to religious restriction, which was constructed by our forefathers,” claimed a complainant.
“Changing the look of the structure (violation of Archaeological Act) is contrary to religious rituals and also very harmful as far as Vastu-Shastra is concerned.”
The mahajans have called for appropriate action saying “No Kothi can be shifted to the other side of the Agrashala having archaeological importance and no old temple construction can be demolished without the consent of the Archaeological department. Moreover, required authorization of the Mahajans Mandal is not obtained as provided in Devasthan Regulation Act and neither village panchayat’s permission is obtained.”
Copies have been sent to the Under Secretary (Revenue), Collector (South), Archaeological Department, Deputy Collector (Canacona) and BDO.
Dessai objected to the Mahajan meeting and the appointment of an substitute attorney as special attorney by passing a resolution in violation of Article 38 of Devasthan Regulation.
“The Devasthan rules and regulations do not permit the appointment of a substitute attorney as special attorney by passing resolutions in mahajans meetings. Appointment of special attorneys is made only in exigencies and that too after complying with all required formalities,” states the complaint.
The complaint further stated that “The matter of appointment of special attorney was never discussed in the mahajans meeting on October 27, 2013, and the said resolution is fraudulently and falsely recorded in the minutes. Moreover, the appointee under question is a defaulter of the Devasthan and no defaulter can be appointed on any managing committee posts.”
Mahajans have called for confiscation of record books for verification and inquiry and demanded action under Article 44 of the Devasthan Regulation Act and also offered to personally remain present during inquiry.
