Srimandir Kitchen Vandalism: My Son Is Obsessed With Cleanliness, Says Father Of Accused

The accused of Srimandir kitchen vandalism case J Mohapatra, a 30-year-old youth from Begunia area of Khordha district, is reportedly obsessed with cleanliness and did not like dirt in any religious places, especially in Srimandir, claimed, his father on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters his father said, “He is a religious lad and is a member of the local Danda group in our village. He never liked untidiness in the Danda group as well. He even had some quarrels with other members in the past over this issue.”

“He is obsessed with cleanliness and had shared his displeasure over unclean Srimandir with us in the past. I do not know if he has vandalised the Srimandir kitchen. Lord Jagannath knows if he has done this crime,” added his father.

Mohapatra’s mother, who broke down while speaking to the reporters, said, “My son loves Lord Jagannath. He visits Srimandir in Puri often to have the Darshan of Lord Jagannath. I do not know what transpired on that night. But if he has really committed the crime, Lord Jagannath will definitely punish him.”

Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh today informed that the suspect, who was detained from Khordha yesterday, has confessed to the crime during interrogation.

Singh said that during questioning, the accused youth said that he felt uneasy about something and ransacked the ovens in the temple kitchen.

More than 40 'chulhas' or ovens were found vandalised at the holy kitchen also called (Rosha Ghara) on the night of April 2.