The action was initiated upon a complaint from the irrigation department. It said the priests were raising an illegal structure with the intent of encroaching the area.
Ghaziabad Police demolished a section of a temple in Indirapuram after receiving a complaint from the irrigation department. The priests were raising an illegal structure with the intent of encroaching the area. The room that was demolished was still under construction.
The demolition took place on Wednesday.
The temple situated near Kanawani Puliya is surrounded by over a dozen societies of Vasundhara and Indirapuram. The team that came for demolition had to face protest from more than 50 residents of nearby societies. Situation continues to be tense in the area.
The irrigation department said the land on which the temple is situated belongs to it. “The room was being built without seeking permission from the department. It seems like an attempt to encroach,” an official of the department added.
“The temple itself is illegal. However we never took any action as it would hurt the sentiments of the residents living nearby,” he continued.
However, Srimahant Ramapuri, head priest of the temple, alleged that the land of the temple was provided by gram sabha of Kanawani village. “We have been worshipping here since the 1990s when the area was a forest. The priests of the temple have been maintaining it for decades. It is a prime place of worship with over ten idols for residents of nearby societies,” he said.
Ramapuri also added that the administration did not give any notice prior to the demolition.
While talking to City Spidey, Inderjeet, pradhan of the village, also claimed that the land was given by the village and does not belong to the irrigation department.
However, the irrigation department rebuffed the claims of the temple priests. “They (priests) could not provide any document supporting their claim,” an official insisted.
On the other hand, many residents saw the action as lawful and just.
Alok Kumar, president of Federation of Apartments Owners Association (FedAOA), said, “People should abide by the law. Any religious structure — whether it’s a temple or a mosque — can be shifted or demolished by the authorities if it stands in the way of development.”
