Railway authorities have stated that attempts are being made through various platforms to spread confusion over the removal of a temporary puja mandap from railway land in the capital’s Khilkhet area.
Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, cited Railway Ministry Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan as saying that during last year’s Durga Puja, some individuals erected a mandap on railway land in Khilkhet without prior permission. Later, conditional approval was granted for the puja celebration, with the understanding that the structure would be removed afterward.
Although the organisers assured the authorities that the mandap would be removed after the celebration, they failed to do so. Instead, attempts were reportedly made to establish a permanent temple at the site. Despite repeated warnings, the organisers did not comply, the adviser said.
To reclaim public property and restore order, the authorities said all necessary legal procedures were followed before the temporary structure was removed on Thursday.
The railway authority added that prior to this, around a hundred illegal establishments—including shops, political party offices, and a kitchen market—had also been cleared from the site. The idol from the mandap was respectfully immersed in the Balu River in accordance with religious customs.
Authorities have urged all concerned to refrain from spreading misinformation or engaging in provocative activities over the matter.