Thousands of villagers stop demolition of temple in Gujarat

Mahesana

Thousands of villagers in Navapura village near Nandasan in north Gujarat prevented demolition of Shiv Mandir which has been built illegally in Gauchar land.

Following the court order, Taluka Development Officer of Nandasan and others arrived at Mandir location in Navapura village with JCB and other machinery for demolition. They were however surprised to find thousands of people gathered there to prevent demolition. Hundreds of people, mostly women had climbed the temple to prevent demolition. Though police force was present there, it was unable to control such a massive crowd of people.

Locals climbed a JCB vehicle to stop it. according to Police Inspector DK Vasava, 18 persons were detained to maintain law and order.

According to Vishnubhai Patel, Sarpanch of Navapura village, the villagers are ready to pay any amount to regularize this structure. He said the temple was built on Gauchar land, but when that detail came to knowledge after construction was over. He said entire village is united to save the temple.

In-charge Taluka Development Officer(TDO) K.A.Patel who led the demolition operation told media persons that due to massive protest the team had to return without demolition for second time.

– DeshGujarat