Case registered against Anjanadri priest for obstructing govt staff

Koppal: A case has been registered against Vidyadasa Baba, a priest at the famous Anjanadri Hill temple in Koppal district, following a complaint by Gangavathi Tahsildar Vinayak alleging obstruction of government duty.

The complaint comes amid an ongoing dispute over the administration of the religious site, which has recently attracted attention following developments in the Karnataka High Court.According to the complaint, Vidyadasa Baba had approached the court seeking permission to perform puja peacefully. The court reportedly permitted him to conduct puja and use one room, while restricting him from engaging in other activities.

The complaint refers to an incident on June 13, when Anjanadri Hill staff member Venkatesh contacted the Tahsildar at around 4.30 pm and reported that Vidyadasa Baba had allegedly removed staff members from their office and locked it. He also reportedly said that other rooms had been locked and that the priest was refusing to listen to the staff.

Following the call, the Tahsildar visited the site along with staff members Ravikumar Naikwadi, Mahesh Dalal and Channappa. During the inquiry, staff members allegedly stated that they were working in the office at around 4.15 pm when Vidyadasa Baba entered, objected to their work and forced them out before locking the premises.

The complaint further alleges that when the Tahsildar and staff asked the priest to open the office, he claimed that the court had issued an order in his favour and asserted that he was the rightful successor to Anjanadri Hill. He allegedly told the officials that they had no connection with the site and should leave. The Tahsildar has alleged that the priest prevented officials from entering the office and carrying out their duties, and has sought legal action against him.

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The Hans India