Where Opium Smugglers Share Profits with their Deity
Drug peddlers from Madhya Pradesh's opium belt of Neemuch and Mandsaur flock to the temple of Sanwariaji in Rajasthan — believed to be an avatar of Lord Krishna — before they dispatch their consignments. All roads from these two biggest opium-producing districts of Madhya Pradesh lead to Bhadeshar tehsil in Rajasthan's Chhittorgarh — 65 km from Neemuch district headquarters.
The deity towers over thousands of faithful who run the multi-million contraband business and believe their god protects them from law. And in return they share their profits with their god. The temple bags donations only second to all temples in Rajasthan. "On an average monthly donations cross Rs 2.5 crore," said Ramesh Baheria, administrator of the temple. The only temple which beats this shrine in donations is Shrinathji temple, he said.
"Those in opium trade believe god helps even those in illegal trade. Other than cash, devotees also stuff donation boxes with opium packets," Baheria told TOI. Neemuch district president of Madhya Pradesh Opium Producers Association, Virendra Borana said, "Opium smugglers promise to pay a part of their profits to the temple. They also promise to donate generously if they have a bumper crop." An opium farmer of Neemuch, Virendra Patidar, said, "The ritual is in vogue for several years. Peddlers are often arrested and consignments are seized but nothing can shake their faith in Sanwariaji."
Labels: Deity, Opium, profits with, share, smugglers, their
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