The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is all set to go deeper into the mega forgery involving the land of Lord Jagannath that surfaced in Soro area of Balasore recently.
While the SJTA has filed cases against two former amins for their complicity in the fraud, the Puri Collector has launched a probe by constituting a fact finding committee.
“Those who were using the land of Lord Jagannath tried to fraudulently register the property in their names with the help of forged documents. Criminal action will be taken against them,” said SJTA Chief Administrator (Development) Ajay Jena.
Also Read
Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh said, “Inquiry has been launched into the case and legal action will be taken accordingly after ascertaining further details.”
According to sources, hundreds acres of land belonging to Lord Jagannath in Soro area is recorded as Sri Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije Puri, Marfat Mandira Parichalana Committee. While the lands are being used by various categories of people, some fraudsters tried to register the lands in their names.
One Nisakar Patra has reportedly extended help to the encroachers in grabbing the land and received lakhs of rupees in return. Two former amins of Srimandir—Chittaranjan Panigrahi and Rabi Narayan Das—allegedly helped Patra in the illegal activities.
However, Soro Tehsildar Ashok Kumar Das raised doubt regarding the authenticity of documents produced during a mutation request which subsequently led to unearthing of the scam.
Gajendra Prasad Nayak, a local resident said, Nisakar Patra took Rs 5 lakh from him to register a plot in his name. However, the accused denied any wrongdoings.
Meanwhile, Srimandir managing committee members raised question on the safety of the lands of Lord Jagannath after the fraud came to light.
Mahanta Ram Krushana Das Maharaj, a member of temple managing committee said, “The temple administration, revenue department as well as the State government should probe the matter to ensure safety of the land of Lord Jagannath.”
Srikant Parija, who is associated with Bhitamati Adhikar Manch said, “Any court in the country can take cognizance of the fact and take action against the accused persons. I am hopeful of stringent action against the accused.”