Govt to reclaim Dera ashram land in Puri if encroachment is proved: Minister

Puri: Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty on Sunday said that the land over which Dera Sacha Sauda ashram is constructed at Beleswar patna on the Puri-Konark marine drive road will be reclaimed if it is an encroached government land.

Talking to media persons Mohanty said, "Eviction will be initiated immediately if they have encroached government land." Talking about the Haryana violence by the Dera followers he said, "How did such an incident occur when the BJP government in Haryana had given endorsement to them."

However, the person who claims to be the actual owner of the land, Ramchandra Swain, said that the land was sold to the ashram by his mother and elder brother.

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"They bought four acres of land from my mother and elder brother in lure of providing employment. As per my knowledge the deal was finalised at Rs 32 lakh while Rs 24 lakh has been paid," said Swain.

On the other hand, nobody knows what goes on inside the ashram, locals say that many youths and women come regularly to the ashram and leave after staying for few days.