Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Apr 7: In a bid to prevent any breach of peace and ensure communal harmony, the Court of the Deputy Collector and SDM-I of Mapusa has issued an interim order regulating religious activities at the Shree Someshwar Rashtroli Devasthan.

The order comes amid an ongoing dispute between two factions—one led by Jayesh Kalangutkar and others, and the other by Narayan Malji and his group. Despite attempts by authorities to broker a settlement, both sides have remained at loggerheads.

Observing that the situation could potentially lead to a law-and-order issue, the SDM directed the Mamlatdar of Bardez to appoint an independent priest (Bhatji) to carry out daily rituals and upcoming Vardhan Din celebrations. The priest must be neutral and not affiliated with either faction.

Both groups have been strictly instructed not to interfere in temple affairs or obstruct the duties of the appointed priest until further orders.

The Police Inspector of Mapusa has been directed to maintain strict vigil in the area and deploy adequate personnel to prevent any untoward incidents.

Additionally, the order states that after daily traditions, the temple must be securely locked, with the keys to remain in the custody of the appointed priest until a final decision is taken by the court.