Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Monday lodged an FIR with Singhadwara police, a day after unidentified persons vandalised several ‘chulhas’ (earthen ovens) inside the ‘Rosaghara’ (kitchen) of the temple.
“An internal probe has been launched and we also registered a case over the incident,” said Puri Collector Samarth Verma.
“It will not be appropriate to comment on the incident as an internal inquiry is on. The footage of CCTVs inside the temple is also being examined,” he added.
Verma also held a meeting at SJTA’s office, where members of the temple managing committee and development administrator were present.
Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh said that a five-member team has been formed to probe the incident. “The CCTV footage is being verified and action will be taken based on the findings. A complaint has been lodged with Singhadwara Police. A case has registered under IPC Sections 427, 295A, Sec 30 (A)(B) of SJTA Act,” he added.
Speaking about the incident, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the disruption of Mahaprasad preparation is distressing. ” The state government and temple administration should take this matter seriously and ensure such incidents do not recur in the future,” he added.
