BJP tribal leader Shishir Gamang has lodged an FIR at the Puri Beach police station against standup comedian Tatwa Prakash Satpathy alias Papu Pompom for his derogatory comments against lord Jagannath in Puri last month.
“lord Jagannath besides being the main God of Odisha has also been the most important God/Deity of my tribe (Soura/Sabar) since centuries till today. The rituals followed for worshiping lord Jagannath is completely different from other Hindu Gods signifying that the majority of the rituals which is still being followed are entirely of Tribal origin and you can also find similar practices in other tribes also,” read the FIR.
“Words and expressions used by Tatwa Prakash Satpathy alias Papu Pompom has hurt me mentally, physiologically, emotionally and religiously hurting my feelings to such an extent which amounts to insulting my/our tribes age old traditions and customs which are still being followed today. He has ‘defamed’ me and Soura/Sabar Tribal people by criticizing the ritual started by us for using ‘Tulasi Patra’ in various ways to perform Puja and other ceremonies. It is not only about Tribal’s it is also a question of Odia people’s pride and respect and which they get due to the status given to Jagannath Temple, Puri as one of the ‘Char Dhams’, it added.
He urged the police to book him under ST & SC Prevention of Atrocities Act Amendment Act 2016 and other Acts deem fit.
During his performance at a stage show in Puri last month, the popular comedian had said that ‘tulsi’ leaves which street dogs dirty everyday are used in the rituals of lord Jagannath. He further went on to say that those who utter ‘Jay Jagannath’ are sinners.