Reacting to the sharp criticism against it after the destruction of the Brindavana of Sri Vyasaraja Tirtha at Nava Brindavana island near Hampi by alleged ‘treasure-hunters’, the district administration has asserted that it had little role to play in the protection of the “private premises”.
Speaking to The Hindu , Deputy Commissioner P. Sunil Kumar expressed helplessness by stating that different Madhwa mutts locking horns over the ownership of certain premises within the island had prevented the district administration from taking up any measure. “First of all, it is a private place and they did not allow us to do anything there. When the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) wanted to take some protective measures, the conflicting mutts did not allow it. They even removed a board put by the ASI. Now everyone is making a hue and cry and blaming us for whatever happened,” he said. “The conflict between the mutts,” he added, “has been creating many law and order problems. The situation becomes tense every time pujas are offered on special occasions. We have been providing police security. This is the routine.”
When asked about the measures the district administration plans to take to avoid such incidents in future, Mr. Kumar said that he would, based on the Superintendent of Police’s report, write to the government and appeal for consideration of handing over management of Nava Brindavana island to the district administration.
“The mutts have always objected whenever we took up some security or protective measures. If the management is with the district administration, we can ensure the safety of the area,” he said. He also clarified that he was not going to claim the government’s ownership over the land as the matter was in court.
