Srimandir Parikrama project: Puri court orders case against Collector, OBCC, Tata Projects

Amid massive hue and cry over the construction activities around Puri Jagannath temple under the Srimandir Parikrama project, the sub-divisional judicial magistrate (SDJM) court in the pilgrim town has ordered filing of case against Puri District Collector, Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) and Tata Projects. 

Hearing a petition filed by an advocate over the ongoing project, the court has asked the Singhadwar Police to register the case. 

Earlier, Singhadwar police had reportedly turned down the complaint of the petitioner.

Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had told the Orissa High Court that the deep excavation and construction works undertaken by the Odisha government most-probably have damaged the archaeological remains around the 12th century shrine. 

The Odisha government came under fire following the filing of the ASI affidavit in the HC. The Opposition also wasted no time to target the government for allegedly carrying out the project without obtaining necessary permission from the ASI. 

Launching a scathing attack, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi on Tuesday said the wrongdoings of the State government were now crystal clear.