Margao: The mamlatdar and administrator of devalayas of Salcete has partly allowed two complaints against the former managing committees of Shree Chandreshwar Bhutnath Devasthan at Paroda, Quepem, directing a special audit, a technical inspection of the multipurpose hall and steps to protect the temple’s interest in a disputed land transfer.The order, pronounced by mamlatdar Sidharth Prabhu, follows a Bombay high court direction of June 10 to dispose of the complaints.The administrator held that the respondents failed to show the exchange deed, involving land in Amona village, was executed with the requisite statutory approval. The general body resolution or legal advice alone cannot substitute for such approval, he said.An extraordinary balance for both tenures will be conducted under Article 279 of the Devasthan Regulation. A chartered accountant with no professional links to the parties will conduct a transaction-wise audit and submit a report within 90 days of appointment.A joint technical inspection and valuation of the incomplete hall will determine work executed, cost and structural condition, besides verifying carpentry work, timber inventory and any duplicate payment.The special audit will also reconcile the donation coupon scheme.On the hillock cut at the protected site, no further excavation or construction is permitted without prior written permission, and the archaeology department will be asked to inspect the site.Former office-bearers remain liable for any loss established, the order said. If audit material discloses a criminal offence, records will go to the police. The order clarified it does not declare any respondent guilty.
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