Kolhapur : Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Vyavasthapan Samiti (PMDS) has committed a wrong of constructing a toilet by filling up an ancient holy Manikarnika Kunda although the ‘Kunda’ is a part of Shri Mahalakshmi Devasthan and people have faith in it. It is an enraging matter for millions of devotees of Shri Mahalakshmi so also for all citizens of Kolhapur; hurting religious sentiments of Hindus. It is also a cognizable offence under Archaeology Act. Rajaram Mane, the then District Collector had issued order on 15th April 2013 for removal of this toilet; but the order is yet to be implemented. Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad (HVP) once again lodged a complaint on 31st August 2015 in this regard but the position remains the same.
Archaeology Department too has not done anything in the matter. The President of PMDS and all trustees responsible for it; so also Municipal Commissioner should be arrested immediately by filing cases for cognizable offence. A representation for the above demand was submitted to Police Inspector (PI) Shri. Anil Deshmukh on 9th March of Juna Rajwada police station. (Congratulations to all pro-Hindu organizations for submitting representation demanding removal of unauthorized construction erected on holy Manikarnika Kunda! – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)
‘Hindutvavadi’ leaders like Shri. Pramod Mutalik, founder of Sriram Sena; Shri. Sambhaji Salunkhe and Shri. Mahesh Ursal, District-President and City-Chief respectively of Bajarang Dal; Shiv Sena’s Dy. District-Chief Shri. Sambhaji Bhokare, its Karveer Taluka-Chief Shri. Raju Yadav; ‘Hindu Ekata’s District-Chief Shri. Chandrakant Barale and its City-Chief Shri. Jaideep Shelake, Shri. Shivajirao Sase, Shri. Jaikumar Khadake, Shri. Sunil Ghanavat of Kruti Samiti (action committee) against scam of PMDS, Shri. Abhay Vartak, Sanatan Sanstha’s spokesperson besides office bearers of other pro-Hindu organizations and workers were present on the occasion.
Did members of PMDS put on blinkers when the unauthorized construction was going on ? – Pramod Mutalik
Shri. Pramod Mutalik while discussing with PI said, “Had the members of PMDS put on blinkers over their eyes when the unauthorized construction was going on? Doesn’t this construction have connections with PMDS in any way? This Kunda is on the premises of Devasthan Samiti; so office bearers of Samiti cannot shake off their responsibility.”
Shri. Sambhaji Salunkhe said, “It is very unfortunate that the Devasthan Samiti has not been able to find a full-time President for past 20 years.”
Shri. Mahesh Ursal said, “Do not force Hindutvavadis to stage agitation on this issue.”
Names of persons against whom the representation has been submitted
1. Dr. Amit Saini, President, Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti
2. Rajendra Deshmukh, former MLA-NCP, Atpadi and a member of PMDS
3. Hiroji Parab, member PMDS
4. B. N. Patil-Mugalikar, member, PMDS
5. Pramod Patil, Ichalkaranji, member, PMDS
6. Sou. Sangita Uday Khade, member, PMDS, Commissioner Kolhapur Municipal Corporation
All those known and unknown who helped the above or responsible for the above crimes
Police officer trying to shirk from duty under the guise of not being within his purview !
While discussing the matter, PI said that the issue did not fall within the purview of his duty and he would discuss it with District Collector and Superintendent of Police before taking decision.
Shri. Sunil Ghanavat then said, “It is not a subject to be discussed but it is associated with religious sentiments of people; therefore, cases should be filed against the above persons at the earliest because it is under your authority. Shri. Deshpande, engineer of PMDS was present at the police station. He too tried to shake off responsibility by saying that the Kunda was handed over to Municipal Corporation 20 years back.
Few question-answers during press conference
1. A reporter asked whether Hasan Mushrif was accused from communal angle.
On this Shri. Abhay Vartak said, “Samiti has never accused anyone from communal angle. In fact, we appeal to Hasan Mushrif, who claims to be a devotee of the Goddess, to take initiative and demolish the unauthorized construction.”
2. Hasan Mushrif had no control over Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) 20 years back and Shri. Rajesh Kshirsagar is the present MLA elected from the city but why accusations are made only against Mushrif. Don’t you feel any other person responsible for this matter?
Shri. Sunil Ghanavat said in reply, “Mushrif’s name has been referred as an example of elected representative. Samiti is demanding action against every person associated with the issue. Who has been controlling KMC for several years and members of PMDS belong to which party is a well-known fact; therefore, we have lodged complaint for taking action against every responsible member. Presently, Mushrif rules over KMC; therefore, as leader of the district why doesn’t he demolish the unauthorized construction?
3. You are accusing Hasan Mushrif; do you have any proofs ?
Shri. Pramod Mutalik said in reply, “Is there any need for proof when everything is as clear as daylight? If you are a leader, you should also take responsibility.”
Shri. Abhay Vartak said, “There is apathy towards preservation of all ancient structures in India whether it is a fort or temple or anything else. Preservation of ancient things is of no interest to us. Many of our ancient temples are getting dilapidated owing to neglect. We only want their preservation for our future generations. Temples in India are our invaluable eternal heritage; but nobody is paying attention to such things, including Archaeology Department.”
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
