Puri Eviction Drive: Collector Rejects Panel’s Plea To Stop Demolitions

Puri: The meeting between a 15-member committee and Puri Collector Balwant Singh on Wednesday failed with the latter rejecting the demand to stop the eviction drive around the Jagannath Temple.

After the meeting, the collector told the media that the eviction of mutts and business establishments around the temple walls will continue as per the state government’s comprehensive plan to ensure the shrine’s security and the convenience of devotees.

Singh also informed that the demolition of Bada Akhada mutt will be carried out very soon.

In his reaction, committee member and senior sevayat Damodar Padhani said the collector did not give any assurance to stop the eviction drive as he was directed by the state government to carry out its order in letter and spirit.

“We will request the Chief Minister to redress our grievances and if necessary, we will lay down our lives under the bulldozers that have been engaged for the demolition of the structures,” he warned.