Serious allegations of illegal money collection have emerged ahead of Chhath Puja at the Sindhiya site of Dhurwa Dam in Ranchi, where devotees are allegedly being asked to pay between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 for space to perform religious rituals.
A local puja committee has objected to the alleged collection, demanding an investigation and strict action from the district administration.
According to the allegations, portions of the riverbank have been marked into 10-by-10-foot plots, with money reportedly being demanded from devotees in exchange for space to set up their Chhath ghats.
Allegations of Unauthorised Collection
The controversy came to light after members of a local puja committee raised concerns over the alleged allocation of public ghat space in exchange for money. Committee representatives claimed that certain individuals were attempting to occupy portions of the riverbank and charge devotees for access.
The committee has questioned the authority under which such collections are allegedly being made, particularly at a public religious site that attracts large numbers of devotees during the festival.
Reports published by local media also indicate that a person identified as Shiva Tirkey has been accused of demanding money for allocating space. However, these allegations have not been independently established.
Committee Highlights Years of Free Services
Members of the Nav Yuvak Sangh Durga Puja-cum-Chhath Puja Committee said they had been contributing to the organisation and maintenance of the ghat for approximately 15 to 20 years.
According to the committee, devotees have traditionally received essential facilities without charge. These include cleaning arrangements, lighting, parking assistance and other support required during the festival.
The committee expressed concern that charging devotees for space at a public ghat could create difficulties for families wishing to perform Chhath rituals.
Administration Asked to Investigate
The committee has urged the district administration to investigate the allegations, establish the legal status of the land and determine whether any individual or organisation has permission to allocate spaces or collect money at the site.
It has also demanded that any unauthorised collection be stopped and that appropriate action be taken if wrongdoing is established.
With Chhath Puja approaching, the controversy has raised questions about the management of public ghats and the accessibility of religious facilities.
The administration's response and the outcome of the proposed investigation will be crucial in determining whether devotees can access the ghat without facing unauthorised charges.