12 people fined for performing bhajans after prescribed time!
12 vehicle owners were fined for performing bhajans after the prescribed time in the Ranthambore tiger Reserve (RTR) area of Rajasthan. A senior official gave this information on Sunday. He said that 12 vehicle owners, including the priest of the Trinetra Ganesh temple in the sanctuary area, have been fined Rs 25,000 each for allegedly performing bhajans after the prescribed time. The official said that on Friday, the temple priest himanshu sharma had invited friends and relatives for bhajan-kirtan at this historic Trinetra Ganesh temple located within the sanctuary. Anoop K.R., Chief Forest Conservator and Field director of Ranthambore tiger Reserve, said that devotees are allowed to visit the temple till 5 pm and they have to return by 7 pm.
Were celebrating the birthday of the priest's son
However, our staff noticed that some vehicles were parked even after 8 pm, which raised suspicion, he said. The officer further said that investigation revealed that a Bhakti sandhya program was being held to celebrate the birthday of the priest's son. According to Anup K R, this is a serious violation of the rules.
Tigers roam in the evening
He said that tigers and other animals roam in the area in the evening. Human presence there after the approved time can affect the ecosystem. The Forest Department registered an FIR against ten persons including Sharma under sections 27 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Fine of 25 thousand imposed
The officer said that all the twelve vehicles used for the Bhajan sandhya were seized and a fine of Rs 25,000 was imposed on each vehicle owner. Anup K R said, investigation into the matter is going on and appropriate legal action will be taken as per the Wildlife Act.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel