Has social media become an easy medium to earn a quick buck by playing with the religious sentiments of devotees? Such questions are now being raised after several websites allegedly duping devotees in the name of Lord Jagannath have surfaced in the recent past.
Adding to the list is another website Shaligram Shala which is allegedly taking thousands of rupees on the pretext of performing special puja at Puri Jagannath temple.
Not only in Indian Rupees, but the website also collects funds in USD as well. On the website, the price for the special puja of Lord Jagannath and mantras has been fixed at Rs 4500 or 59 USD. The website also offers discounts for conducting Brahman Bhoj at Rs 6000 or 79 USD and other services.
A senior servitor has lodged a formal complaint in connection with the incident today.
Senior servitor, Binay Das Mohapatra said, “Devotees can donate directly to Srimandir instead of falling into the trap of such websites and apps. Some people from here are involved. We demand a detailed probe into the matter.”
It is pertinent to mention here that online platform – Utsav has been collecting money from several devotees on a monthly basis as a donation for Srimandir and with the promise of offering puja.
Singhadwar Police had subsequently written to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to submit a report on the allegations of cheating of devotees by an online platform – Utsav.
The officials of the online platform are likely to depose before the Singhadwar police station on July 7.