Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) began demolishing controversial Baikuntha Dham Ashram in Khandagiri area of the city on Friday.
Two bulldozers are being used to pull down the structure in the presence of BDA officials and police. The process is expected to be completed by 5 pm, sources said.
The decks were cleared for demolition of the ashram after Orissa High Court lifted the interim stay on the eviction process earlier this month.
The GA department issued the eviction-cum-demolition order on Thursday. Following which, the BDA asked the occupants to vacate the ashram premises by noon on January 17. Announcements about the eviction order were also made in the area.
The ashram courted controversy in October last year after the preacher projected his son as ‘Kalki’, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. The boy was reportedly being worshiped by visitors to the ashram. A subsequent survey at the spot by GA department official in November last year revealed that it was standing on 0.14 acre of government land. Though the department then issued an eviction order asking BDA to carry out the drive, head of the ashram approached the HC and got a stay on the eviction order.
