Bijnor: DM Escapes via Back Door as Juna Akhada Sadhu Storms Office with Sword

Bijnor: Disruption was witnessed at the Bijnor Collectorate on Tuesday morning as sadhus from Juna Akhada stormed into the Collectorate to protest over the alleged eviction from the historic Kanva Rishi Ashram. The sadhus, armed with swords and shouting slogans, accused District Magistrate Ankit Kumar and his team of forcibly vacating the ashram, stealing 100 quintals of wheat, and removing 70-80 cows.

Tension Builds Further

The protest intensified when a sadhu brandished a sword outside the DM's office and alleged that the officials were thieves. Sadhvi Ganga accused the DM and SDM of conspiring with the village head, Somdev, to seize the ashram's property, including valuable idols and grains. She also alleged that the administration had locked the temple, which had stopped all religious activities.

DM Escapes Amid Protests

With the scene getting worse, DM Ankit Kumar moved out of his office through the back door to avoid clashes. The protesters continued protesting, beating their drums and singing songs by his vehicle. It was not easy for SDM and ADM to calm down the sadhus. They argued for justice and a renewal of the ashram.

False Allegations of Misconduct

The village head said it acted on complaints about the sadhus' improper activities, such as smoking, which allegedly harmed the children in the locality. On the other hand, Sadhvi Ganga argued this move was to grab land in the ashram, saying, "This is a fight to the end—either for restoration or destruction."

Way Ahead

The administration has announced plans to renovate the site, but tensions remain high as sadhus vow to continue their protest until the ashram is returned to its original purpose.