Shimla, Nov 17,
Tension erupted at a 130-year-old shrine near the Accountant General’s (AG) office in Shimla on Saturday evening, as counterclaims over its ownership and five bighas of adjoining land sparked a verbal confrontation between followers of Brahmo Samaj and Ramakrishna Mission.
The dispute escalated during the three-day 133rd All India Brahmo Conference organized by the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj at Kalibari Hall, which concluded today. Police, including the SP and Additional SP, were deployed to the site to prevent further conflict. Both parties claim to have pending cases in the Supreme Court and other courts over the ownership of the property.
According to Advocate Rajinder Sharma, Ramakrishna Mission had sought a court injunction to prevent Brahmo Samaj from holding the conference, but the plea was dismissed on November 13.
During the conference, a video allegedly showing Ramakrishna Mission followers attempting to forcibly take possession of Brahmo Samaj property was shown to attendees.
The conference, inaugurated with flag hoisting and mass prayers, was attended by trustees and office bearers from Brahmo Samaj branches across India.
President of Indian Brahmo Samaj, Dr. Sumanta Niyogi, highlighted the organization’s history and current challenges.
The event included the release of a souvenir by prominent figures like Vishal Sharma, General Secretary of Himalayan Brahmo Samaj, and other regional leaders.
Addressing the attendees, Kumari Jyotika Sharma alleged that Swami Tanmahimananda of Ramakrishna Mission and associates, including the Suri family, conspired to seize the property. She claimed they created fake trustees to gain control of the shrine and filed cases to halt the conference.
The accusations included cooperation from former DGP Sanjay Kundu, whose alleged misconduct was documented in a video shown at the conference.
Despite the tensions, the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the shrine and its associated properties in the town and continue to fight legal battle.
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