Tensions mounted in the holy town of Puri, Odisha, following allegations against a local eatery named Hotel Swagat. Local residents and devotees expressed severe anger over claims that the establishment, which serves non-vegetarian food, was handling the sacred Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath inappropriately. According to allegations raised on the premises, the revered offering was being served on the same plates as non-vegetarian dishes and mixed into everyday rice and lentil preparations sold to customers. The situation escalated rapidly as crowds gathered to protest the alleged practice.
Discovery During Food Parcel Inspection Sparks Outrage
The controversy unfolded when a few local youths visited the establishment to buy packaged meals. While inspecting their parcels before leaving the counter, they noticed suspicious elements in the food items. One of the youths openly claimed that portions of Mahaprasad were being mixed into ordinary rice, dal, and traditional dishes such as besar and mahura, and were packaged alongside non-vegetarian items for sale. This prompted immediate suspicion among the patrons waiting at the eatery.
When individuals examined the interior premises of the restaurant further, they located numerous earthen pots containing Mahaprasad stored inside the facility. For local residents who hold the holy offering in high spiritual regard, discovering these pots within a non-vegetarian kitchen sparked disbelief and indignation. A sizable crowd quickly assembled outside the building, demanding accountability for what they described as an unacceptable mishandling of the deity's sacred offering.
Kumbharpada Police Intervene as Hotel Owner Denies Claims
With public anger rising outside the premises, personnel from the Kumbharpada police station arrived on the scene to manage the situation. Law enforcement officers intervened to disperse the agitated gathering and immediately initiated an inquiry into the matter. Officers began examining the kitchen space, collecting details regarding the earthen pots found on site, and questioning people connected with the eatery.
Meanwhile, the owner of Hotel Swagat, identified as Manoj Kumar Das, rejected all the accusations directed at his business, maintaining that the claims are completely false. Kumbharpada police stated that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events. Authorities noted that official findings will determine the truth behind the allegations once the inquiry concludes, even as resentment remains high among residents and devotees across Puri.
