Palanpur (Gujarat), February 23, 2012: Moniji Nirbhay Sagar, head of Umta Jain temple, 8 kms from Visnagar in Mehsana district, started his fast unto death to protest the theft of 1,500 years old ‘Chakreshwari’ Mataji’ marble idol worth Rs one crore three days ago. Until the idol is recovered and restored at its place, I will not take food. I have given up milk, juices and gradually I will abandon the water and finally life,” Moniji told TOI.
Special anusthans (hymns) in Digambar jain temples in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Agra, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have begun, he said.
However RJ Sawani, superintendent of police, Mehsana, said “We have requested Moniji to wait for time being. As we have gathered evidence from the spot and efforts are on to nab the miscreants, we are confident of nabbing the thieves.”
A police team will also visit Rajasthan soon. “We are doing our best to recover the sacred idol. Moniji should not take any hasty step which may affect his health,” Sawani added. – News Courtesy: Times of India