Tension has erupted in the village of Mulem, Quepem, after the electricity supply to the Mahadev Sateri Devasthan was abruptly disconnected without prior notice. The temple, which had a duly sanctioned connection provided in October 2024, lost power on Saturday, sparking outrage among local residents and temple committee members.
According to villagers, the disconnection was carried out following a complaint by the current landowner, who acquired the land in 2016. However, locals argue that the temple and its access route have existed for decades, backed by a No Objection Certificate granted by the previous landowner more than 35 years ago. They say the complaint undermines long-standing community rights and religious tradition.
Residents are questioning the electricity department’s decision to act without consulting the devasthan committee, and are demanding an immediate restoration of the power supply. The Mahadev Sateri temple is of deep cultural and spiritual importance to the community, and the disconnection has caused widespread unrest.
The villagers have also called for a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the disconnection, stressing the need for transparency and respect for community institutions.