PONDA: Clashes broke out between Mahajans of Navdurga Temple, Marcaim and the locals on Monday morning. The Mahajans later filed a manhandling complaint against locals at the Ponda Police Station. The locals also filed a counter complaint against the Mahajans.
It is learnt that the newly appointed committee of Mahajans of Shree Navadurga temple, Marcaim ,along with the office-bearers of old committee arrived at temple to handover the charge to the new temple committee.
When the Mahajans arrived at the temple many villagers who had also gathered at the temple started an argument with the Mahajans.
The Mahajans, in their complaint, said they were prevented from entering the temple and were also assaulted by locals. Similarly, the locals in a counter complaint stated that they were assaulted by the Mahajans.
Sensing that the situation was turning tense the Mahajans left the spot.
When contacted, Ponda PI said that both the Mahajans and locals have been asked to report at the Police Station on Tuesday (April 2) to find an amicable solution to the issue.
It may be recalled that there has been a long pending issue between the Mahajans of Navdurga Temple and the locals over the ownership of the temple as well as the replacement of the old idol in the temple. Locals had opposed the installation of new idol and the matter of ownership dispute is pending in the Court.
