Ramtirath (Amritsar), December 12
Tension prevailed at the ancient Ramtirath temple today after a bailiff from the Civil Court along with several police personnel reached there for handing over the control of Dhuna Sahib located in the shrine’s parikarma to a particular group.
It is for the seventh time that the court official came for the purpose but failed in his attempt. The Dhuna Sahib currently is taken care of by Mahant Malkeet Nath and the control has to be handed over to a rival group headed by Mahant Baldev Giri.
The Mahant Malkeet Nath faction, led by Akali leader Om Parkash Gabbar, protested against the court move and held a demonstration. Armed with sharp-edged weapons, supporters — several of them were arrested — burnt tyres and blocked the path to keep the bailiff and the police away from the Dhuna Sahib.
Dubbing the entire episode as an “eyewash”, Mahant Baldev Giri alleged the drama was staged in connivance with the district and police administration. He alleged the latter were not interested in carrying out the court order. He said he would file a contempt case and demand shifting of control in the presence of paramilitary forces.
Bailiff Mohinder Singh said he reached the spot around 9 am and asked the police officials to accompany him. But, it took over two hours for the police to reach the site. By then, a large number of supporters of Mahant Malkeet Nath had already reached the spot.
The bailiff alleged it clearly pointed towards the connivance of the police with the opposite group. “Had they made prior arrangements, the possession could have been handed over to Mahant Baldev Giri. The police officials should have restricted the entry of people since the morning itself. The opposite group was allowed to gather and create unsavoury conditions at the Dhuna Sahib,” he said.
OP Gabbar, a Valmiki leader associated with the Akali Dal, said “they would not hand over the possession to Mahant Baldev Giri at any cost”.
Balbir Singh, Superintendent of Police, said the police could not use force on the protesters as it could have led to tension.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had recently laid the foundation stone for the building of a temple at the site at a cost of Rs 115 crore.
Tense moments
- The control of Dhuna Sahib at the ancient Ramtirath temple is to be handed over to Mahant Baldev Giri
- The court has deputed a bailiff seven times for the purpose but to no avail
- The control of the shrine currently is with a rival group of Mahant Malkeet Nath
- Mahant Baldev Giri has alleged connivance of the police officials with his opponents
- He said he would now seek shifting of the control in the presence of paramilitary personnel
[divider] Source: TNS