Suryakant Jena

Puri: Amid strict ban on entry of public and congregation at religious shrines enforced under the Covid-19 guidelines in the State and outside, an Inspector-In-Charge of Odisha reportedly violated the norms to have darshan of the Holy Trinity in Puri.

According to sources, Barchana IIC and his family members reportedly visited Puri Srimandir through the south gate of the shrine along with a Puja Panda and paid darshan to the deities.

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The matter came to light after a havildar on-duty who tried to stop the IIC and his family members from entering the temple, lodged an FIR at Singha Dwar police station.

Though exact charges slapped against the IIC is still unclear, Singha Dwara IIC Geli Kumari Sahoo told OTV that after preliminary investigation, a complaint has been registered against the IIC for violating COVID-19 regulations. But the details pertaining to the case will only be known after thorough probe into the matter, she said.

Sources said, Singha Dwara police have detained Barchana IIC and three women stated to be his family members to further the probe into the incident.

"Despite my sincere requests, the IIC and three women accompanied by a Puja Panda entered the shrine complex.  I immediately lodged a complaint at the police station," said the complainant.

Also Read: Coronavirus Alert: Puri Srimandir To Be Out Of Bounds For Devotees Till March 31

Additional SP of Puri, Shantanu Kumar Dash said, "A servitor facilitated entry of the accused and his kins into the temple premises. While servitors are not prohibited inside Puri Srimandir, to accompany somebody who is not allowed amounts to an offense. A complaint has been lodged in the Singha Dwar Police station and we are probing the matter."

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