Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Suresh Chandra Mohapatra on Saturday had an hour-long discussion with law Minister Arun Sahu at the Secretariat here over the mismanagement in the Nabakalebar rituals.Mohapatra told reporters that the nine servitors, including the four Badagrahis (Body protectors of lord Jagannath and His siblings) who have been served with notices, would give their replies beginning from Sunday. Their statements would be recorded and kept secret, he said.
“Any Daitapati servitor wishing to record his statement on what exactly happened on the Brahma Parivartan day of the lords can do so in person in writing one at a time. Their testimonies will be kept secret,” he assured. The Chief Administrator would record their statements himself.He categorically said Maharanas, Deula Karana, Tadhau Karana, Daitapati Nijog president and secretary and senior Daitapatis can record their statements.This would be done in phases at a gap of two to three days. The process would begin from Sunday, Mohapatra informed.
Responding to reports of mobile phones being used during the Brahma Parivartan ritual, Mohapatra said he had information on one or two Daitapati servitors having taken their mobile phones inside the shrine.Mohapatra, however, claimed that that the Brahma Parivartan ritual was only delayed but no irregularities had been committed.Mohapatra reiterated that exemplary action would be taken against those responsible for the indiscipline.On the other hand, when the reporters wanted a statement from the law Minister, he didn’t utter a single word.