Sadhu Samaj demands transfer of ‘anti-religion’ forest officer

02-10-2009
Sadhu Samaj demands transfer of 'anti-religion' forest officer
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sadhu-samaj-demands-transfer-of-antireligion-forest-officer/524035/

The appointment of a new forest official has not gone down well with sadhus in the Girnar range and they are demanding his immediate transfer, alleging the officer is anti-sadhu and anti-religion.

The officer in question is B K Parmar, who has been posted as Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Girnar south. He has also been given additional charge of the Girnar north range. He had served on the same post as RFO in the past.

A group of Girnar-based sadhus, including Mahant Gopalanand, Mahant Tansukhgiri, Ramnarayandas, Mahant Ramdasji,Bachgiri, Gangagiri and others, have expressed their reservation against the appointment with the Forest department here.

BJP leaders, including local MLA Mahendra Mashru, have supported them. They claim the officer is rude in his behaviour and regularly abuses sadhus.

In a memorandum submitted to the concerned authorities here on Thursday, Junagadh-based Sadhu Samaj demanded his transfer.

"In the past, Parmar was a headache for the heads of religious places and temples. At that time, we were forced to launch an agitation against him, as a result of which he was transferred," said Mahant Gopalanand.

He added they will again resort to demonstration if the officer is not transferred immediately.

Junagadh BJP president Karsan Dhadook said: "We support their demand, as the said officer is anti-religion. Creating problems for the temple heads in the forest region is his hobby. We have already made representation to the concerned authorities and urged the state Forest Minister to transfer him."