Raising the issue, H D Revanna (JD-S) alleged that the temple under Muzrai department has been transferred to the Mutt even without issuing a government order.
The transfer took place just four days after the BJP came to power.
The Rama Jois Committee, the head of the Endowment Department, the Revenue Secretary, the present Advocate General, the additional Advocate General, the Karwar Deputy Commissioner and the tahasildar had advised the government against transferring the temple, a public property, to the Mutt.
However, the government overruled the advice and transferred the temple for some “strange reason,” Revanna alleged.
Hundi collection
In addition, the JD (S) member said the temple’s hundi, which had Rs 35 lakh, was opened by the Mutt on August 12, 2008. The temple’s 50 kg gold and four kg silver worth about Rs 1.8 crore, has gone to the Mutt.
Encroachment
Further, he charged that the Mutt has been allowed to encroach 25 acres of land in Hosanagar, Shimoga district. When the Mutt conducted a Go (cow) mela, it illegally occupied 13 acres of land belonging to KPCL.
Revanna sought an inquiry into the issue and demanded that the temple be restored to the Muzrai department.
Law Minister Suresh Kumar replied that the matter should not be discussed as it is sub judice.
T B Jayachandra of Congress wanted to know the reason for transferring the temple to the Mutt despite the matter pending before the court.
“The Atmalinga temple of Gokarna is a very holy place for the Hindus. People of all castes used to touch the idol and worship. Now it has become the property of the Mutt. This has hurt the sentiments of many Hindus. What’s the hidden agenda you have?” Jayachandra said.Home Minister Acharya said that the government had handed over the temple to the Mutt to ensure proper administration and there is no vested interest.
Allegations rubbished
The Assistant Commissioner concerned had endorsed the move. The government will abide by the court’s decision, he added.
Acharya rubbished allegations that the Mutt had encroached upon forest land.
The Mutt had only temporarily utilised 25 acre belonging to the State government and 13 acre of KPCL for organising a cow protection convention, he claimed.
