The Administration has removed 26 illegal meat shops from the premises of the Shri Sheetala Mata Temple in Ralegaon, Yavatmal district

Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’s Demand Succeeds

Illegal structure being demolished

Ralegaon (Yavatmal district) – There is a Shri Shitlamata temple in the city, which is about 100 years old. This temple is also famous as a village Deity because people have faith in the Goddess in the temple; but in the last 10 to 15 years, shops selling meat and mutton were illegally encroached on the temple area and set up. Due to this, the temple area had become a mutton market. The foul smell coming from there used to cause great mental distress to the devotees. A request was made to the Chief Officer and Sub-Divisional Officer of Ralegaon Nagar Panchayat to make the temple premises free from meat and alcohol through a representation on behalf of the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh. The Administration had assured to take note of this representation within a time limit and take appropriate action. Accordingly, this encroachment has been removed in a joint action of the Nagar Panchayat, Revenue Department and Police Administration. On this occasion, Sub-Divisional Officer of Ralegaon Mr. Sudhir Patil, Chief Officer Mr. Girish Parekar, Police Inspector along with other officers and employees of the Administration were present in large numbers. So far, 26 shops selling illegal meat in the temple premises have been removed and further action is being taken by the Administration to remove this encroachment in the temple premises.

1. At this time, some meat sellers have objected to the removal of the shops and have obtained a stay order from the court. The next hearing in this regard will be on 2nd September.

2. On 4th August, the Administration had issued notices to shopkeepers selling meat in the temple area regarding the removal of encroachments.

3. After some meat sellers objected, the local court had issued a ‘show cause’ notice to the Nagar Panchayat, Ralegaon. Due to this, the Administration had temporarily stopped the removal of encroachments in the temple area, which was scheduled for 11th August.

Editorial Perspectives

• How did the Administration not notice the illegal meat shops selling meat near the temple for the past 10 years ? Or were they supporting it ?

• Those responsible for this must be prosecuted for hurting religious sentiments.

• The very existence of meat shops near the temple highlights a lack of education on Dharma among Hindus.