India, Aug. 14 -- The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple has moved a step closer to its proposed expansion with the Pune police agreeing in principle to vacate the Faraskhana and Vishrambaug police station premises, but only after the government or temple trust provides a fully equipped complex as replacement and shifts all police units currently operating from these stations; a senior officer said on Thursday.

Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar has sent a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the state home department on August 10. The approval, however, does not amount to an immediate transfer of premises. The police have made it clear that the existing building will continue to be used until an alternative facility is construct...