from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Apr 23: The Tapobhoomi math, a religious centre for Padmanabh Sampraday followers, has turned tense from last evening with a rift developing within the followers.

Goa Police have imposed section 144 in the Tapobhoomi math, located 20 kms away from here, to prevent the situation from aggrevating.

The math, a spiritual and religious centre headed by Shri Brahmeshanand Swami, has been in the news after its successful campaigns like alcohol eradication among its followers.

It has a large following across Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

"The differences had developed over naming the newly constructed hall which took a serious turn. This is for the first time, that such major differences have been arisen within the followers," said a math official, who did not want to be named.

The district administration, sensing possibilities of trouble, swung into action earlier evening, with additional collector Swapnil Naik calling a meeting of both the groups.

Sources confirmed that the meeting was unfruitful, thus forcing the police to impose section 144 in the area, which is adjacent to Ponda-Panaji national highway.

"The situation is under control and police presence was maintained throughout the night. We don't foresee any trouble," D K Sawant, superintendent of police (NOrth), stated.