Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is all set to demolish the controversial Baikuntha Dham Ashram in Khandagiri area of the city tomorrow. The BDA today made an announcement in this regard.
Decks were cleared for the demolition of the ashram as the Orissa High Court has lifted the interim stay on eviction process. The ashram was in news after a man portrayed his minor son as ‘Kalki’ avatar of Lord Vishnu. The boy was reportedly being worshiped by visitors to the ashram.
BDA has directed immediate eviction and set a deadline by noon on January 17 to vacate the ashram premises. Announcements about the eviction order are being made in the area.
Sources said the ashram will be demolished as it was allegedly constructed on government land. The asked the occupants to vacate the ashram by 12 noon on Friday following which the structure will be demolished.
Earlier this month, the Orissa High Court had lifted the interim stay on the eviction of the ashram after the ashram authorities failed to submit the necessary documents that allowed permission for its construction.
The ashram is located on plot numbers 9037 and 9038 in Ghatikia, covering 0.140 acres. Upon verification, it was found to be government land, official sources said.
The ashram landed in controversy after Odisha Samajsebi Mahasangha lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that one Kashinath Mishra claimed that his son was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The photos of the boy being worshipped had gone viral on social media platforms, triggering widespread outrage.