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Protesters defy Section 144, build temple on NH-33
RAMGARH: Thousands of members of a Hindu religious group, supporters of different political parties and local villagers on Sunday defied prohibitory orders under Section 144 and started construction of a Kali temple on NH-33.
Sub-divisional officer Dileshwar Mahto, along with the Ramgarh SDPO and the circle officer (CO), reached the spot to talk to agitators but the latter refused to budge.
The prohibitory orders were imposed by the sub-divisional officer under Section 144. Among the agitators were supporters of BJP, Ajsu Party and JVM(P).
The protesters brought construction materials with them and started building the temple in the middle of a four-lane highway near Kankebar under Ramgarh town police station.
Members of the protesting religious group complained that a temple was razed for construction of a four-lane highway here.
Archana Mahto, mukhiya of Murramkala village panchayat, said the administration had no regards for sentiments of Hindus while removing the temple.
Hundreds of people, including women, joined Akhand Bhajan and kirtan at the temple site on NH-33.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Praveen Togadia arrived at Ramgarh late on Sunday evening. He addressed activists of VHP in Ramgarh and also visited the temple construction site on NH-33.
Togadia was followed by over 500 people who held flags and raised slogans of “Jai Shree Ram”. The administration had a tough time controlling the crowd which almost went berserk after their revered religious leader reached the spot.
Ramgarh OC Dillu Lohara said police would keep a close watch on activities of Praveen Bhai Togdia in Ramgarh as administration has deployed adequate security in NH-33. Meanwhile, Dileshwar Mahto, SDO, Ramgarh said that National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) official has to decide whether the four-lane highway construction project will be diverted or if work would resume as per project design.