India, June 15 -- Controversy has erupted over the dismissal of 114 workers from the Muslim community by the Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan, the trust that manages the Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahilyanagar district. The 144 workers are among a total 167 workers who have been dismissed, allegedly on disciplinary grounds, for failure to perform their duties.

The temple, in Shani Shingnapur village, in Nevasa tehsil, is patronised by lakhs of devotees from all over the country. The temple trust also runs various public service institutions like hospitals, hostels and solid waste management projects.

Last month, a video went viral online, showing Muslim workers performing maintenance work and painting the property. Local BJP workers along with ...