Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra on Thursday refuted reports of alleged misbehaviour by some servitors towards President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind, the First lady of India, during their visit in March.
“No communique from the Rashtrapati Bhavan regarding misbehaviour towards the President and his wife has been received. This matter should end here,” said Mohapatra speaking to reporters.
However, a minute of the temple managing committee meeting held on March 20 had revealed that the matter was raised at the meeting and a discussion held over the incident. It was also mentioned in the minute that the Rashtrapati Bhavan had expressed strong displeasure over the behaviour of some servitors while President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind visited the temple.
As per reports, during the visit of President and his wife to the temple on March 18, some servitors allegedly brushed against the two breaching the security protocol while both were having darshan of the deities.
This apart, a Khuntia Mekap servitor allegedly did not make room for the President while he was offering prayers in the sanctum sanctorum, reports added.