Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 30: Enraged locals ransacked the Trahi Achyuta Ashram in Balakati after reports surfaced that its chief Surendra Mishra was involved in illegal activities.
Locals clashed with followers of Mishra and forcibly entered the ashram and ransacked the building, and also set ablaze a dozen vehicles parked inside the ashram premises.
Sources said the enraged locals set fire to three cars, two auto-rickshaws, two multi-utility vehicles (MUV), and several two-wheelers. Sources said the locals also set a portion of the building ablaze.
“Very few policemen were present at the spot when the enraged locals, more than 500 in number, started milling outside the ashram. Bhubaneswar DCP and other top officials came here only after 8 pm,” sources said.
A senior police officer said steps were taken to disperse the mob and prevent violence from escalating.
Meanwhile, Mishra, who was under the scanner following allegations of land grab, has sought time to appear before authorities, sources said.
Earlier this month, the state government had served an eviction notice on the ashram for allegedly encroaching government land measuring 1.29 acres. The move came after Balianta tehsildar Swetakumar Das took cognisance of the matter.
The tehsildar had also intimated the Khurda district collector to take appropriate action in this regard.
Of the 14.34 acres area of the ashram, 2.76 acres belong to the ashram trust while the rest belongs to Mishra, said sources. Police Commissioner RP Sharma was monitoring the situation with 10 platoons of police .
