Self-Styled Godman Accused of Desecrating Sacred Lake in Uttarakhand

A self-styled godman, Baba Chaitanya Akash, is accused of desecrating a sacred lake in Uttarakhand by illegally constructing a temple in the Suderdhunga river valley. Residents are outraged as they revere the lake, bathing deities in it annually. Authorities are investigating the matter, involving local law enforcement and the forest department.

A self-styled godman has allegedly built an unauthorised temple in the Suderdhunga river valley near a sacred lake originating from a glacier in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district, sparking anger among locals who accuse him of desecrating the lake by bathing in it.

Officials report that Baba Chaitanya Akash, also known as Aditya Kailash, persuaded some residents to help him construct the temple in the eco-sensitive zone, claiming he had received divine orders in a dream. Bageshwar District Magistrate Anuradha Pal said the matter was referred to the police for investigation following complaints from locals.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Akshay Prahlad Konde confirmed the temple's illegality and its construction on no man's land. The road to the temple is arduous and remains inaccessible during monsoon. The self-styled godman has been living in the temple for the last 10-12 days, bathing in the sacred lake, Devi Kund, causing resentment among villagers who hold the lake sacred.

While some locals were convinced by his claims, many others sought administrative intervention. Police are examining the matter from a law and order perspective, and the forest department may need to be involved for action against the encroachment. The spot's remoteness complicates the situation, taking 2-3 days to reach from the nearest villages.

Konde mentioned that the godman's antecedents are under scrutiny, as he frequently changes his name, presenting himself with varying identities, stirring further suspicion. Sources indicate his longstanding affiliations with politicians and previous attempts to settle in other regions.