A dispute over Thakur Shri Banke Bihari temple’s 200 kg silver chariot has intensified in Vrindavan. The issue began after the chariot missed this year’s Rath Yatra. Later, a complaint about the missing chariot created tension between temple management and sevayats. The matter has now reached police and administration officials. Meanwhile, the high-power management committee formed an inquiry panel. The committee started investigating ownership and location-related questions.
Officials Seek Details About Silver Chariot
On Sunday, CO Vrindavan Sandeep Singh and Additional City Magistrate Ramprasad Tripathi reached the sevayat seats. They arrived with police personnel at the seats of Sevayat Goswami Gyanendra Goswami and Brijendra Kishore Goswami. During the inspection, officials asked them to show the silver chariot and related materials. However, sevayats refused to present the items without a written notice.
After officials returned without inspection, the administration issued a formal notice. The notice sought details about safety arrangements, donation receipts, ownership rights and the current location.
The chariot reportedly contains around 160 kg silver. Including wood and other materials, its total weight reaches nearly 200 kg.
Ownership Battle Over The Chariot
Sevayat Gyanendra Goswami claimed the chariot does not belong to the temple. He said donors gave it to a trust created by his father.
According to Goswami, the chariot participated in Rath Yatra events since 2013. However, this year it could not join because of temple railings and lack of committee support. Furthermore, the Goswami community expressed anger after police reached the seat. The community questioned the inquiry committee’s authority.
The group plans a meeting soon to decide its future course of action.
Major Questions Await Investigation
The biggest question remains about the actual owner of the 200 kg silver chariot used during yearly Rath Yatras. Another question concerns the chariot’s current location and the person keeping it. The inquiry committee is also examining other related points.
Therefore, the final situation will become clear only after the investigation concludes.
