The district administration removed a gaushala and satsang hall built illegally on government land at Bharvi village in Navsari district.
In a hush-hush planned operation, the district administration removed illegal structures developed at Asharam Ashram on government land at Bhairvi village in Chikli of Navsari district on Saturday.
Heavy police deployment was made by the administration in the village, to prevent any trouble.
The demolition drive started at 5 in the morning, in the presence of all concerned officials.
During the drive, authorities demolished a gaushala and satsang hall developed by encroaching upon government land. Authorities entered both the structures from the back door, and brought them down within minutes.
The front door was sealed and heavy police deployment was made to prevent trouble. Ashram authorities and sadhaks were not even allowed to step out of the ashram, till the operation was completed.
Sources said that 10 acre land was given at Bhairvi village, for the ashram to be developed. However, in later years, ashram authorities encroached upon 3,500 sq m land in block number 58, and developed a gaushala there. A few months later, they illegally developed a satsang hall, covering an area of 14,820 sq m in block number 59.
Bipin Patel, talati of Bhairvi, said that the land was meant for developing a garden and a school playground. However, the land was illegally occupied by ashram authorities.
"We have sent notices to the ashram authorities in the past regarding removing the structures, but they never acted. Even the district administration was unable to demolish them. In January this year, the district administration tried to remove the structures, but failed due to strong reactions from ashram authorities. We are happy that the encroachments have finally been removed," Patel added.
The district administration has decided to develop a public garden at the site.
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