Puri: Amid allegations of ‘Jaya Hotel’ in Satyabadi area of Puri serving beef in the name of mutton, two persons who used to have food at the eatery got themselves tonsured and took a sacred dip in a holy pond.
As per information, two men who used to visit the eatery and have mutton were quite upset after coming across reports that Jaya Hotel had been serving mutton mixed with beef to its customers.
Thinking that they have committed a sin by eating beef unknowingly, the two went to Puri and got themselves tonsured. They also took a holy dip in the sacred Narendra Pond in the pilgrim town.
It may be noted that the Puri district administration on Sunday imposed prohibitory orders around the eatery. Prohibitory orders under section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been clamped within an area of one-km radius of the hotel to prevent any untoward incident.
The district authorities took swift action against Jaya Hotel after a video that surfaced online reportedly showed beef being served at the eatery. As the viral video triggered unrest among the local residents, the authorities decided to impose prohibitory orders. The incident has drawn strong reactions within the community.
Following the allegation, officials acted quickly and sealed the premises of Jaya Hotel. The administration is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, while appealing to the public to stay calm. Adequate steps are also being undertaken to maintain law and order in the area.
The eatery was popular for its mutton dishes and is frequented by travellers and locals, alike.
Sources further stated that sample of the meat seized from the eatery has been sent to the State Laboratory at OUAT in Bhubaneswar to verify the claims.
Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain said that this is serious allegations since it involves religious sentiments. The administration is yet to receive the report of the laboratory test of the samples sent for examination, he said.
Meanwhile, the eatery owner has denied the allegation and termed it as a mischief by those unable to do business in the area.
A senior official said that raids by food inspectors are also ongoing in other hotels and eateries in the area.
