Mahant of Gasota Mahadev shrine divested of powers

Our Correspondent

Hamirpur, June 28

Mahant Vivek Giri of Gasota Mahadev Temple was stripped off management and financial powers of the temple by newly constituted body of the temple today.

Over 1,500 people from villages, including Gasota, Lambloo, Bohni, Kangroo, Cheori, Bafarin, will decide the fate of the mahant and development of the temple. It was learnt that there were few to resist the move of the new body as the mahant who was facing allegation of unfair practice at the temple had nothing much to defend his position.

The sources said even those who were entrusted had tainted hands. So the change would only swap the hands and the working may not differ from the earlier trends.

Meanwhile, Duni Chand, newly elected president of the temple committee, said the committee had decided to take charge of the temple management and financial transaction in its hands as the mahant was not using funds for the development of the temple properly.

He alleged even the sanctity of the temple was at stake, hence people of the area decided to change the working of the temple. He said the committee would soon meet and decide on new appointment of the temple mahant, but Mahant Raghwanand of the temple would look after the affairs, till the new arrangements were made.

Former Chief Minister and local MLA Prem Kumar Dhumal and former MLA Kuldeep Singh Pathania were appointed chief advisers of the temple committee.