Odisha: Brokering of Fake Mahaprasad (Abadha) done outside the Puri Jagannath Temple

Puri: There is a delay in the coming out of Mahaprasad in the Puri temple. Some brokers are taking full advantage of this and are playing games with the faith of devotees. There were serious allegations that these brokers were selling bhog to outside devotees at exorbitant prices, such as dal, besar, honey, sour, etc. Evidence of such an incident was found today at Puri Police Station Loknath Road. Such an incident during the Ratha Yatra has been strongly criticized. On hearing this news, the cooks fled from the scene while raiding. On the other hand, the police have started their excavation and have also informed the administration of the temple in this regard. The interrogation continues with some people involved in cooking.

Members of the management committee of the Shrimandi demanded that strict action be taken against those involved but the chefs concerned said that they were preparing it for a feast in the area. Police reached the spot after receiving the information and started an investigation.

Srimandi chief administrator Ranjan Kumar Das told the media, “We have not received any complaint in this regard, but we will check if anyone is selling such items in Mahaprasad.” Action will be taken against them, Mr. Das said. Another senior official of the temple said, Mahaprasad can only be found in the temple, it can be sold only in Anand Bazar. A senior official said that if someone outside the temple is doing such brokering in the temple, it is the responsibility of the district administration and the police to take action against them.