Stop defaming the priests of Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple in the narcotics case : Kishor Gangane, former Chairman of the Pujari (priests) Mandal

Reportedly, the arrested accused only have the surname ‘Pujari’

Kishore Gangne

Dharashiv (Maharashtra) – A drug-related case that originated in the Tuljapur region a few years ago has recently come to light. In reality, the individuals arrested in connection with the case merely have the surname ‘Pujari’, yet they are being referred to as ‘Pujaris (priests) of Shri Bhavanidevi’. Some media outlets are spreading incorrect reports regarding this case, leading to the defamation of the priests of the Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple. Kishor Gangane, former Chairman of the Shri Tulja Bhavani Pujari (priests) Mandal, has demanded that this defamation be stopped.

Action must be taken against the guilty, but why defame priests unnecessarily ? : Amarraje Ambadasrao Kadam-Parmeshwar

In this context, Mr Amarraje Ambadasrao Kadam-Parmeshwar, President of the Shri Tuljabhavani Bhope Pujari Mandal, said, ‘We have never said the guilty should be spared, but why malign the priests unnecessarily ? The truth is that many members of our priestly families don’t even have any sort of addiction—yet no one mentions this. Our association believes the drug case must be thoroughly investigated, and the guilty must be punished. We will soon be submitting a memorandum to the District Collector regarding this matter’.

Vipin Shinde, President of the Palikar Mandal, added, ‘In fact, it was the Pujari Mandal that first raised its voice against drug trafficking three years ago. Now, the names surfacing in the current drug case have no connection whatsoever to the worship or rituals of the Deity. Despite this, some sources are deliberately spreading news suggesting ‘involvement of Shri Tuljabhavani’s priests in the drug case’.