Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)
Udupi, Mar 22: "I have not committed any mistake. I have not lied. For no reason I am being accused. If the temple trustee of Barkur temple Praveen Acharya is indeed innocent, I invite him to vow in front of Kalikamba goddess of Barkur, Kallukuttiga Daivasthana at Kalikamba, Vishwanatha Kshetra of Katapadi and Annappa Kshetra of Dharmasthala. Let him vow in front of these Gods and Goddesses. If I have committed any mistake, I am ready to go through the punishment," said RTI activist Shankar Shanthi challenging the people who assaulted him.
Shankar was speaking at the press conference that was held at the Press Club of the city. He further said, "Temple trustee of Barkur temple Sridhara Acharya Vaderahobali, Ravi Acharya Kerarkalabettu, Chandaiah Acharya, Sounya Suresh Acharya and Praveen Acharya have given a false statement that I have attacked them with iron rod and broken the glass of auditorium. In addition, they have also said that I was the one who broke the tube light during the Brahmakalashotsava. They also said that this all has happened on Kechoor road in front of the auditorium and not in the kitchen of the temple.
"Praveen Acharya and his brother Prasad Acharya, who are supporting the evil deeds of others, are directly responsible for spoiling the sanctity of the temple of Goddess Kalikamba.
"One more prominent leader, B N Shankara Poojari condemned the false allegation against me over the phone as well as in public. What is the secret behind this person, who was penniless a few years ago, accumulating property worth crores of rupees? Will you convey this to the public? I am also inviting eminent personality of society B N Shankara Poojary also to the same Sannidhi for swearing. Let it be decided who is 420?
"I am bringing one more matter to your notice. Manjappa Poojary and family have encroached the land that belongs to Barkur Jain Basadi. If the district administration does not see into this and give the land to the Jain community, I will hold fast unto death in front of the office of deputy commissioner.
"Accused might have got bail from the court. But the God of Justice is with me. I am a vegetarian and do pooja of Devi every day. That is why I firmly believe that her blessings are on me. I will continue my legal fight against district health officer Dr Sudhir Chandra Sooda, whose is proven guilty in the court of Lokayukta. Let the concerned department take stringent action against the offenders."
Shekhar Havanje, state convener of Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, Sadashiva Shetty Herur, president of RTI activists of Udupi district, Sujaya Poojary, district president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and Pramod Ucchila were present.