RELIGIOUS TRUST BOARD REMOVES TWO MAHANTHS OF BHIKHAMDAS THAKURBADI

RELIGIOUS TRUST BOARD REMOVES TWO MAHANTHS OF BHIKHAMDAS THAKURBADI

28-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------"Under BJP Rule, Mahant Continues to Sell Land Designated for 'God's' Thakurwadi Through Collusion with Criminals and Land Mafias." Tarunmitra published this news report on its portal around 2:00 PM. Taking cognizance of the report, and within just four hours, Prof. Ranvir Nandan—Chairman of the Bihar State Religious Trust Council—issued an order to remove both Mahants of the Bakarganj-based Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi, Jai Narayan Das and Vimal Das, with immediate effect. The removal stems from allegations of financial irregularities, fraud, forgery, and dereliction of duty. Furthermore, the District Magistrate of Patna has been appointed as the interim trustee.

Issuing letter No. 130, dated April 27, Prof. Ranvir Nandan—Chairman of the Religious Trust Board—directed the District Magistrate of Patna to immediately take charge of the affairs of Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi, assume control of its bank accounts, and ensure the smooth conduct of daily worship rituals, offerings (*Raga-Bhoga*), and the overall security and management of the temple. In this regard, the Religious Trust Board has also formally notified the aforementioned Mahants, Jai Narayan Das and Vimal Das. Chairman Prof. Ranvir Nandan further instructed the District Magistrate of Patna to expedite the process of constituting a Trust Committee by submitting a proposal of names at the earliest, thereby ensuring the proper and efficient management of Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi.

In his letter, Chairman Ranvir Nandan explicitly stated that Mahants Jai Narayan Das and Vimal Das of Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi sold the Trust's land by adopting improper procedures. Additionally, they failed to provide any financial details regarding the rent collected from shops or the overall income and expenditure of the temple's assets. Such actions constitute a violation of the relevant sections of the Hindu Temple Act. It is noteworthy that the Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi controls hundreds of shops in Bakarganj, generating a monthly rental income of ₹8–10 lakhs; additionally, it possesses valuable land parcels across various locations in Patna. Prof. Ranvir Nandan, Chairman of the Religious Trusts Board, has clarified that stringent measures are being implemented to safeguard the assets of all temples within the state that fall under the Board's jurisdiction. Strict action will be taken against any trustee found engaging in malpractices. Action will be initiated against both the buyers and sellers involved in the unauthorized trading of Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi's land; the Religious Trusts Board will reclaim these properties and restore them to the temple/Thakurwadi. Welcoming the Religious Trusts Board's directive, the business community of Bakarganj hailed it as a triumph of justice and righteousness. They extended special gratitude to Chairman Prof. Ranvir Nandan for this outcome, describing it as a historic victory. The traders remarked that the Bhikhamdas Thakurwadi has finally been liberated from the clutches of musclemen and bullies, and they celebrated the occasion by exchanging sweets.