Damage to Puri Srimandir Chulhas: Here’s what the accused did on the fateful day

Puri: The mystery shrouding the vandalisation of over 40 chulhas (earthen ovens) at the Rosaghara of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri has been partially unravelled.

J Mahapatra, a 30-year-old man of Begunia area in Khordha district, was today arrested by the Puri police for allegedly committing the offence.

As per Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh, the accused, who claimed that he is a devotee of Lord Jagannath, had visited the temple on the fateful day. He later felt uneasiness and went inside the Rosaghara, where he damaged the chulhas.

He then left the temple premises and went to the Puri beach, where he took bath in the sea. Later, he boarded a train at the Puri Railway Station and alighted at the Jatani Railway Station, the SP said.

He has confessed to the crime during the first phase of interrogation. The motive behind his act was yet to be ascertained and further probe in this regard is underway. The identification and detention of the accused was challenging for police as he was not using mobile phone. In the first phase, police showed the photo of the accused that was captured on CCTV cameras to around 100 servitors and several temple staff. However, it was not enough to establish his identification, said Singh.

In the second phase, police showed the photo to public in Puri. During the course of investigation, a person at the Puri Railway Station identified the accused. After getting the clue, police carried out a railway mapping and first 10 stations from Puri were brought under the purview of the investigation. He was located and detained last evening, the police official said.

“His statement is currently vague. He can’t say anything definitely. Further probe will continue to ascertain the motive behind his action of damaging the chulhas and as to how he entered the Rosaghara. He will be forwarded to court. If required, we will seek remand of the accused for further questioning,” said Puri SP.

Prima facie, it appears he was the only person involved in the incident, the official added.

Notably, over 40 chulhas at the Rosaghara were allegedly damaged on April 2 night, raising serious questions over the security at the shrine. The chulhas were used for cooking Mahaprasad at the grand kitchen.

The SJTA has lodged a complaint with the Singhadwar police in this connection. Police have registered a case under sections 427, 295 and 295 (A) of the IPC and 30 (A) and 4 (b) of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act.