Trimbakeshwar temple case: SIT to submit probe report in a month, says Fadnavis

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC Babajani Durrani asked why the police needed over two months to finish the inquiry and said it should be submitted before the end of the Monsoon Session.

Responding to him, Fadnavis said, “The delay is because the police must find evidence to verify various claims. Some say the tradition has been practiced since the time of the Peshwas, others are saying there is no such tradition. Hence it is taking time for the police to find these documents. It will be submitted within a month’s time.”

Further responding to allegations by the Opposition that a communal colour was being accorded to the incident, Fadnavis said the Mandir trustees told them that there was no such tradition and that their religious sentiments were hurt. “Since they gave a complaint, we had to register an FIR and order an inquiry to find out the truth. Those against whom the FIR was registered were issued notices under section 41.”

After MLC Kapil Patil said there are many instances across the state where those from both religions participate in each other’s place, Fadnavis said, “When it comes to matters of beliefs and tradition, the government will not interfere. Hindus and Muslims accommodating each other is the best thing. However, if in the name of tradition, there is something that could lead to a problem, we have to hear both sides.”