The Gaushala Controversy: Saints v/s Developer
The controversial dispute between a developer and the religious leaders in Mulund has once again raised its ugly head. Yet again, the developer and religious leaders are at loggerheads over the pathetic plight of cows at the cowshed (Gaushala) located at LBS Marg, opposite Santoshi Mata Mandir in Mulund West. Sant Yogi Devnath has given an 8-day ultimatum to make the Gaushala clean and tidy and provide ample space for the free movement of cows at the cowshed or has threatened a mass protest by the sadhus/ saints and Mulundkars!
An irate Yogi Devnath told Home Times, “The cows at the Mulund cowshed are in deep crisis. The place is filthy and unkempt. The cows are tied and have no free movement.” He added, “Earlier also, attempts have been made by the vested interest of a builder’s lobby to grab the cowshed land and shift the cows to some far-off place at the outskirts of Mumbai. But, let me warn, the sadhus/ saints and cow lovers of Mulund will not make the evil plan of the builder successful.” He lamented, “The cowshed is the own land of the Gaushala yet it is agonizing to see Gau Matas tied 24 hours like prisoners and their liberty to roam freely has been confiscated. As a result of this cruelty, the Gau Mata is in a dire state and calling for mercy and help.”
In contrast, Gaurav Sharma, the Project Head of the developers, denies all the allegations of Yogi Devnath as baseless and unfounded. He told Home Times, “The developer has constructed the building within the perimeters of the law. Secondly, there is nothing illegal as the developer has officially purchased the land from the Trustees of the Gaushala.” He added, “Yogi Devinath is trying to spread unfounded rumours and misguide people. Whatever we have done is under the rule of law. We have not broken any law or done anything against the law.”
He informed, “We agree that the space for the cows has been reduced, but we are not to be blamed for the same because there has been an increase in the population of cows.” Speaking on the demand to allow additional space for the cows, Gaurav said, “As per the orders of the honourable High Court, it is not possible to give additional space to the cowshed, but we are having discussions with the Trustees of the Gaushala regarding taking good care and providing better facilities to the cows in the cowshed.”
