Locals allege the property was donated to him, file police complaint

The residents of Govind Puri in South Delhi are angered at the local priest Naurangi Lal, 80. It seems the opportunity to make financial advancement took precedence over his religious duties. In 1966 a prominent local resident of the area had donated 500 square yards of land to Lal for the construction of a temple.


Gods face encroachment: Construction of residential units on at the
temple in Govindpuri pics/Imtiyaz khan

Lal initially built a small temple on the land. Later on, instead of further expanding the temple, he started constructing residential units on the land and gave them away on rent.

"How can he misuse the land meant for religious purpose?" said Dharmesh Singh, a resident of the area and a complainant in the case.

A number of resident have complained to the police, alleging that the priest had joined hands with a local builder and sold off the land to him. The builder then constructed residential units on the land meant for expansion of the temple.

However, Roshan Lal who had bought the land claimed that that he did not know the status of the land and was not aware of the grievances of the people.

"I have legally bought the land from Naurangi Lal for Rs. 20 lakh. I have full legal documents to prove my ownership," said Roshan Lal. When MiD DAY called Naurangi Lal about the foul play involved, he said he was ill, will "die" if he was
disturbed.