Railway authority clarifies removal of temporary Puja structure from govt land in Khilkhet
"Instead of dismantling the temporary mandap, the organisers attempted to convert it into a permanent temple — a move that was repeatedly discouraged but the organisers ignored all directives," the adviser noted
The Ministry of Railways has addressed growing misinformation regarding the recent removal of a temporary Puja structure from railway-owned land in the Khilkhet area of the capital.
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Railways, stated, "During last year's Durga Puja, a group erected a Puja mandap on railway property in Khilkhet without prior authorisation. Permission for the event was later granted on the condition that the structure would be dismantled after the festival."
He further explained that the organisers had assured authorities that the structure would be removed. However, despite repeated reminders, they failed to do so, reads a press release issued today (27 June).
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"Instead of dismantling the temporary mandap, the organisers attempted to convert it into a permanent temple — a move that was repeatedly discouraged but the organisers ignored all directives," the adviser noted.
In response, the authorities completed all necessary legal procedures and, in an effort to reclaim public land, removed the structure yesterday (26 June).
According to the railway authorities, the removal operation began with nearly a hundred unauthorised shops, political offices, and a temporary market. The Puja structure was the last to be removed. The idol was respectfully immersed in the Balu River in accordance with religious rites.
The railway authority urges all parties to refrain from spreading misinformation or engaging in provocative behaviour surrounding the incident.
