Puri: The Odisha government today took possession of the Bagaria Dharmashala located in front of Singhadwar on Grand Road here.
Bagaria Dharmashala is one of the oldest dharmashalas (rest houses for pilgrims run by charitable organisations) in Puri.
“There was a case against Bagaria Dharmashala under OEA Act (Orissa Estates Abolition Act, 1951). The outcome of the case was that it is government property and it should be vacated and taken possession by the government. On the basis of that we are taking possession,” said Khirodh Kumar Behera, Tahasildar, Puri.
On being asked by reporters whether the land belonged to the government, Behera said that the land belonged to the government.
“It’s government land. They had violated the terms and conditions under which the land was given to them. Since they had used it for commercial purposes, the court had served notice to them. The Additional District Magistrate’s Court had given its verdict in the matter on 21 October in 2021,” informed Behera.
All the rooms in the Bagaria Dharmashala barring the ones being used for running government offices like the police station and Revenue Inspector’s office were sealed.
