Sadhus flee with Kedarnath Temple wealth

New Delhi, June 25: Why 50 people have been left in Kedarnath? Why they have not been rescued?

The survivors still in Kedarnath valley are Sadhus and mule operators, who were caught with Rs 1.14 crore in cash of Kedarnath temple wealth and jewellery stolen from pilgrims, dead and alive.

"These sadhus had heavy bags when they were being rescued and were asked to leave them behind as it was adding to extra load on the chopper. However, defying all reason they refused to comply and on suspicion our men checked their baggage revealing cash," ITBP chief Ajay Chadha has told media.

Now the Sadhus, who are in custody of ITBP, have been insisting that they will stay back in the valley "in service of the Lord" as they foresee police action against them if they land in Dehradun.

Pilgrims had complained that there was wide spread looting in and around Kedarnath.

"All my cash, about Rs.25,000 was snatched by a group of youngsters who had Nepali features," said a shocked pilgrim in Gaurikund.

A woman said all her jewellery was taken by the unscrupulous elements at knife point. ITBP has tasked its men undertaking rescue operations in Kedarnath to take out everyone including reluctant 'sadhus' from the rain ravaged temple town.

Yesterday ITBP DIG Amit Prasad had said that "some sadhus have refused to be taken out from Kedarnath. I have asked my men to persuade them and leave the place."

Now, we know why sadhus were refusing to vacate the shrine even though there was a danger of disease spreading due to rotting bodies. A mass cremation is taking place today.

OneIndia News