Udupi: Shops running illegally at the parking space of Sri Krishna mutt were pulled down on the orders of Sri Laxmivarateertha Swamiji of Shiroor Mutt on Friday.

It has been reported that Shiroor Swamiji ordered to demolish three shops which were functioning illegally at the parking lot of Krishna Mutt.

Speaking to media, Shiroor Swamiji said that he had bought the land for Sri Krishna Mutt during his Paryaya term and wanted to build a tourist lodge and a bus stand there, but it was used as a parking lot for the Krishna Mutt. He alleged that the person who set up the shops was also issuing fake parking receipts to unsuspecting visitors and also selling fake products.

“There should not be any illegalities in connection to the Sri Krishna Mutt. Nobody is speaking up against the illegal shops, so I am taking up the initiative,” Shiroor Swamiji added.

Swamiji further said that, if they were keen on putting up shops there, they could have taken it on rent.