Ahmedabad: The Jagannath Temple in the Jamalpur area has come under the centre of a controversy following allegations that temple trust land worth approximately ₹60 crore was sold to a Muslim businessman without prior authorization.

Social activist Atul Dave has spearheaded the allegations, claiming that the deal has caused significant financial loss to the temple and hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.

According to Dave, 28,000 square yards of land, originally part of the 1.5 lakh square yards granted to the Shri Narsinhdasji Gau Seva Trust by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in 1992, was sold in 2018. While the market value of the plot is estimated at ₹60 crore, it was officially recorded as being sold for only ₹7 crore. Dave further alleged that the actual deal was for ₹45 crore, with ₹38 crore allegedly transacted as “black money”.

Dave also claimed that the buyer is Usman Ghanchi, owner of H.S. Hotelvala, while the sale document reportedly bears the signature of Mahant Dilipdasji Maharaj.

In response to mounting pressure and demands for a government takeover of the temple’s administration, the temple leadership has maintained that due legal process will be followed.

“This matter regarding the land is in court; we will act according to the judgment,” said Mahant Dilipdasji Maharaj.

As part of what is being called the “Save Jagannath Temple” campaign, Dave has demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the land deal. The group of activists has also announced plans to write to the Prime Minister seeking intervention and action against those allegedly involved in the matter. DeshGujarat