Ayodhya Mandapam: BJP, public condemn HR&CE dept’s move

Chennai: Ashok Nagar police, detained about 60 supporters of Sri Ram Samaj including a few women who protested against the HR&CE department's move to take over the properties of the samaj and have registered cases against them. A senior official told DT Next that a complaint has been received from the HR&CE department and a first information report is being prepared. The detainees include BJP councillor Uma Anand and stakeholders of Sri Ram Samaj, which is located on Arya Gowda Road. Among the properties taken over by the HR and CE department are the Ayodhya Mandapam, a mandapam to perform last rituals, a school and a wedding hall.

“The court has ordered to address the issue through a civil court, but the HR&CE department is trying to take over the property that belongs to Hindu followers. The move by the DMK had affected the sentiments of Hindus,” BJP state general secretary Karu Nagarajan told DT Next.

‘BJP will continue to fight, will move HC’

The HR&CE move to take over temple land will be taken up with the BJP state president and he will decide on the next course of action, said BJP state general secretary Karu Nagarajan.

“The state BJP unit will continue to fight, and we will approach the High Court bench seeking legal remedy,” he added.

When contacted, a senior HR&CE official said there were complaints of misappropriation of funds related to the Samaj and the HR&CE Act empowers the state to intervene in such matters related to temples and Hindu religious trust properties whenever the public money is mishandled.

To this Karu Nagarajan said such issues should be sorted within the devouts and the members of Samaj.

“There are also misappropriation complaints against the state authorities. Will the government allow some other department to take over their properties,” Nagarajan wondered justifying the protests by BJP.

Meanwhile, the police intensified their deployment in the area. A deputy commissioner, three assistant commissioners, inspectors and police force had been deployed at Sri Ram Samaj to ensure smooth take over of the properties.

While supporters of Sri Ram Samaj gathered at the spot and protested against the HR&CE’s move, many dispersed later, informed sources said.

The HR&CE decided to postpone the procedure despite the court order for the Ram Navami celebration to get over, sources added.