NRI businessman, Vedanti lock horns

NRI BUSINESSMAN Sam Verma and Ram Janambhoomi Nyas acting president Ram Vilas Vedanti Maharaj have levelled allegations and counter-allegations over the sanctity of the Rukmani Balaji temple, built by Verma in his home town Betul.

NRI BUSINESSMAN Sam Verma and Ram Janambhoomi Nyas acting president Ram Vilas Vedanti Maharaj have levelled allegations and counter-allegations over the sanctity of the Rukmani Balaji temple, built by Verma in his home town Betul.

HT Image

The temple is the venue for ‘Bramhaotsav’ every year and Vedanti Maharaj delivered a discourse this year. Verma, who hosted the function, alleged that Vedanti had demanded a car, worth Rs 8.5 lakh as ‘dakshina’ and has been levelling baseless allegations against him when his demand was not met. Vedanti has stoutly denied Verma’s allegations.

Verma told reporters that he was shocked and hurt over allegations by Vedanti Maharaj that beef was served in the ‘ashram’ and it was a den for terrorists.
He said appropriate ‘dakshina’ had been paid to Vedanti Maharaj after the discourse.

In reply to a question on the invitation to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad’s brother Niyaz Baig, he said it was true that Baig had come here but no non-vegetarian food was served to him in the temple premises.

Verma said the people and society must decide what to conclude when a Muslim visited a temple and prayed for ending terrorism.