The Muzrai Department has directed the district administration to reinstate N. Narasaraja Bhat, priest of Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple in Melkote, who was dismissed from service in connection with the missing ornaments’ case.
It was alleged that Mr. Bhat and some other priests at the temple had taken away several ornaments which were gifted by devotees to adorn the deities during special occasions. Police complaints were filed and an inquiry was conducted against them.
Whilst charges of criminal misappropriation were not proved during the inquiry conducted by retired judge S.C. Ingalagi, charge of misconduct was proved against Mr. Bhat. Subsequently, Mr. Bhat had approached the High Court and also the department against the decision of the district administration [of dismissal from service] recently.
The department recently directed that he be reinstated, M.N. Ajay Nagabhushan, Deputy Commissioner, told The Hindu here on Wednesday. It has also directed the district administration to complete the inquiry against Mr. Bhat within three months.
According to another officer, as the charges of misconduct was proved, the district administration is planning to question the order of the department.
Protest
Meanwhile, members of ‘Kannada Sene’, some devotees and even some priests at Melkote have urged the State government not to reinstate Mr. Bhat as “charges against him are not trivial.”
Some members of the Kannada Sene submitted a memorandum to B.R. Poornima, Additional Deputy Commissioner, and urged her not to allow Mr. Bhat to serve at the temple.
