‘Kalki Avatar’ Row In Odisha: GA, BDA Officials Inspect Bhubaneswar Ashram

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of a controversy triggered by reports about a boy being projected as ‘Kalki Avatar’ of Lord Vishnu in Bhubaneswar, the authorities initiated a probe at ‘Shree Baikuntha Dham’ located in Khandagiri area of the city on Monday.

Sources said officials from the General Administration department and the local tehsil visited the site for a thorough inspection to ascertain whether there has been any encroachment of government land.

A team from the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) also joined the probe into the alleged encroachment for running the ashram. The enforcement squad of the BDA visited the ashram and conducted a preliminary assessment. Measurement of the area occupied by the ashram was also done.

It may be noted that a voluntary organisation had lodged a complaint at the Bharatpur police station, alleging that a man, identified as Kashinath Mishra, has been claiming that his son is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in ‘Kalki Avatar.’

The controversy erupted after photographs of Mishra’s son surfaced, showing him sitting in a chair with sacred ‘Tulsi’ (basil) placed on his feet.

Police said necessary steps are being taken after receiving the complaint against the father-son duo. The man has been accused of trying to hurt religious sentiments by projecting the son as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has also registered a case over the incident. The Commission has registered the case suo motu after it came across reports about the boy being worshipped at ‘Baikunta Dham Ashram’ in Khandagiri area.

This apart, the OSCPCR has asked the police to submit a report on the issue within 15 days.