Bhubaneswar, Aug. 27: The BJD today further hardened its stand on the issue of violence that had erupted in the BJP-ruled Haryana following the conviction and arrest of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in a rape case.
Revenue minister Maheswar Mohanty today said: "We will examine whether the Dera Sacha Sauda's ashram located in Puri is on encroached land. If they have encroached on any government land, we will take action against them."
Expressing shock over the violence because of Haryana state government's failure to maintain law and order, Mohanty said: "We should take action against all fake babas. They should not be allowed to exploit public sentiments."
Revenue department sources said a team would shortly visit the ashram premises and verify whether they had encroached on government land or not. In 2015, the Puri district administration had vacated one Bana baba, who had set up Kalki ashram on the Puri-Konark marine drive. It had also demolished buildings constructed illegally by the self-styled spiritual guru.
Yesterday, the BJD had demanded the resignation of Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Party spokesperson Pratap Deb had said Khattar should take responsibility for the violence and resign owning moral responsibility.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik had said he was pained by the loss of lives in the violence and tweeted: "Pained by loss of lives in violence in #Haryana. I condemn the unlawful acts in strongest possible terms and appeal for restoration of peace."
The Dera Sacha Sauda's ashram is located at Beleswar Patna on the outskirt of Puri town on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive. Local residents had tried to enter the premises after violence was reported in Haryana and demanded that the district administration take over the ashram, which was set up in 2004.
A person identified as Rama Chandra Swain today said: "The management of the ashram cheated us and took over four acres. They were supposed to pay us Rs 32 lakh, but gave only Rs 24 lakh. It should be examined whether the ashram management has encroached on government land."
