Hindu faithfuls had been organising Durga Puja in the temple for over 70 years, but the wooden structure was razed to the ground yesterday to facilitate space for a multi-storeyed commercial complex.
The demolition drive was conducted by HM Cements Co Ltd which had entered into an agreement to build the complex at the site belonging to the Shillong Municipal Board.
However, Hindu faithfuls alleged that the single-roof structure was demolished without giving any prior notice.
Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district Jopthiaw Lyngdoh said the demolition drive was carried out with the permission of the district administration and claimed that he was not aware of the existence of any temple or puja celebration on the particular premises.
He, however, assured that the matter would be taken up with the authorities concerned.
Durga Puja celebration is said to have started at the site way back in 1936 by a few Grade IV employees of the then British Government.
It was also one of the few places in Shillong where idols are made during various Hindu festivals.
''The site was demolished without giving any prior notice,'' Jail Road headman Sajal Dhar said while expressing his helplessness in taking legal action on the matter as the puja committee had no valid documents for the site.
However, the puja committee and a few nearby shopkeepers have moved court in the wake of the demolition.
''There are many religious structures like temples, churches, mosques, which are under some occupation of the government all over the country and call for regularisation as per a recent judgment of the Supreme Court,'' Central Puja Committee secretary Naba Bhattacharjee said.
He said the order applies to all structures prior to 2006 and accordingly the Personnel Department of the State Government issued a notification in this regard.