Mahant did not appear before Inquiry Commission:Justice Gupta

Jammu, Aug 26 (UNI) The Justice (Retd) K K Gupta Inquiry Commission probing the raising of artificial ice 'Shivalingam' at the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir has said that Mahant Deependra Giri, the custodian of the holy mace of Lord Shiva, did not appear before it despite repeated requests and notices.

The Commission submitted its 90-page report to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen S K Sinha today.

Talking to UNI, Justice Gupta said the Commission had thought it proper to record the statement of Mahant Deependra Giri.

The Mahant was accordingly sent a notice to appear before the Commission on July 30, but he failed to do so, he added.

In the evening, the Commission Secretary sent an SMS on the Mahant's mobile phone, informing him to appear before the Commission on August one.

''The Mahant did not depose before the Commission despite repeated requests and notices on July 30 and an SMS in this regard on August one,'' Justice Gupta said.

He said the observations have been incorporated in page number 76 of the report.

''The Mahant was well aware of the circumstances under which the Commission had been formed. In fact, the Mahant avoided appearance as he had given contradictory statements in the media and also criticised the SASB,'' the report said.

It said the Mahant was attending almost all the SASB meetings and at times gave suggestion for prolonging the life of the Shivalingam at the Amarnath cave shrine.

''He was quite aware of all the facts and developments regarding the ice lingam at the holy cave shrine. Not owing any responsibility or not to appear before the Commission despite being a member of the Board was not proper for the Mahant who was dealing with the Charri Mubarak and other important affairs of the pilgrimage,'' it added.

The Mahant had held the board responsible for raising of the artificial icelingam at the Amarnath cave, and also sought a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the issue.

UNI RKS-AG YA RK1828