Encroachment sparks controversy in Patan

The immediate provocation is the construction of a cow-shed in the graveyard on October 2. The six cows and three calves in the shed were brought from the drought-hit Saurashtra region.

Mohammedali Kadri, former chairman of Gujarat State Wakf Board, alleged that this encroachment was being overlooked by the police. He said, “Since the police did not do the needful and we did not have the courage to do anything, cows being an extremely sensitive issue, the Wakf Committee members and local Muslim leaders approached District Magistrate Himanshu Sheth on October 3.”

Kadri said Sheth had assured them that the encroachment would be cleared after October 9, as he would till then be busy with election work. He also said Sheth had arranged a meeting between local Hindu and Muslim leaders.

“But surprisingly, the district magistrate has involved VHP leaders in the talks even though they are nowhere in the picture,” said Kadri. “Muslims have nothing against the temple. In fact it is beautiful to see a huge temple and an Idgah close by. Nor do we have anything against the VHP, for that matter. What we are worried about is that VHP is being called for a discussion though they are not in the picture.”

Kadri said three rounds of talks had failed because VHP leaders insist that the encroachments should be regularised. He alleged that VHP leaders had threatened that riots would break out if that was not done.

The priest is obdurate. Sitting on a marble throne, devotees squatting at his feet, he roared: “I’m sitting here, the temple is here — this in itself is proof of my claims.” Then, more careful, he added: “My lawyer is better aware of the papers and the facts.”

About the cow-shed, he said: “This temple is more than 1,500 years old. According to tradition there is always a cow-shed in front of a temple. So such a cow-shed must have existed in those times. If the land belonged to the Wakf Committee, why did it not fence the area?”

Both sides hurl allegations at each other. The Maharaj said Muslims went against him after he had a gambling den and an illegal slaughterhouse running in the graveyard removed. The Muslim leaders, on their part, allege that the Maharaj is a drug-trafficker.

Meanwhile, VHP district president, Prahlad Soni, distanced himself from the Maharaj’s statement that the cow-shed would not go, come what may. He said he would abide by the district magistrate’s verdict. But he insisted that of the 22 acre plot only three acres belonged to the Wakf committee, and the rest was either with the state government or the temple.

The district magistrate said he hoped a solution would be arrived at within a couple of days. When reminded that it was his duty to protect the committee land, he said, “This is the reason why I have come into the picture. We will go to any extent to maintain public peace.”

But Muslim leaders said they did not feel assured on that count. “We feel cheated, we are afraid the district magistrate might either keep procrastinating or give an order in the Maharaj’s favour.”

While the allegations fly thick and fast, townspeople hope the controversy is resolved soon.