The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has ordered a probe into the alleged touching of Devi Subhadra’s idol during the Niladri Bije ritual here on Thursday.
Sources said a police official, Amulya Dhar, is under the scanner for touching the deity during the Pahandi ceremony in the evening. Dhar is a former Inspector-in-Charge of the Marine
police station.
SJTA Chief Administrator Pradeep Jena informed that the IG (Central Range) would hold the probe into the allegation. The District Collector also said that if found guilty during investigation, action would be taken against
the official.
Besides this incident, policemen are accused of misbehaving with some Executive Magistrates on duty during the Adharpana and Sunavesha rituals.
The Collector has promised action against the errant officials after scrutiny of CCTV footages. The servitors said action should also be initiated against the police personnel according to law.