After Sanjauli mosque controversy, dispute erupts in Himachal capital over control of ashram
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Shimla: Even as the Sanjauli mosque dispute is yet to be resolved, another religious altercation broke out in the heart of Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla last night at the Ramakrishna Ashram.
The confrontation, which escalated to a clash between two groups, involved stone-pelting and left several people injured. A police force was swiftly deployed to restore calm at the ashram.
People at the ashram alleged that certain individuals attempted to forcibly occupy the property. According to Swami Tanmahimanand, secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, a group of individuals entered the ashram late at night, posing as devotees. “The gardener of the ashram, accompanied by some people, came for evening aarti, but even after the discourse ended at 8.30 pm, they remained and began loudly chanting slogans of the Brahmo Samaj. They tried to install their religious urn inside the temple, which we prevented. As the situation grew tense, they turned to social media, seeking support,” said Swami Tanmahimanand.
Dispute between Brahmo Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission
The clash at the Ramakrishna Ashram is the latest development in a longstanding legal battle over the ashram’s property between the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj and the Ramakrishna Mission. The case, which has been in court for years, revolves around property rights and access to the temple. According to MR Sangaroli, Trustee of Himachal Brahmo Samaj, “This is a minor dispute. Brahmo Samaj followers have been visiting this temple for a long time and the temple is open to all. The court has not restricted anyone’s access.”
Upon receiving reports of the disturbance, ASP Navdeep led a police team to the ashram to defuse the situation. However, the confrontation turned violent, with individuals allegedly throwing stones and using chairs as weapons. The ASP said, “Some people, including a woman named Sheetal Beas and several ABVP students, picked up chairs and attacked women from the Brahmo Samaj and then began throwing stones at the police QRT team. Several police officers sustained injuries, and a case has been registered at Boileauganj police station.”
The police are currently investigating the incident, reviewing footage and collecting statements from witnesses to determine the sequence of events.
