Digha Jagannath temple row: Fresh complaint filed against Ramakrishna Das Mahapatra

Controversy continues to deepen over the newly constructed temple in Digha with the sacred wood linked to Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, with a fresh legal complaint being lodged against Ramakrishna Das Mahapatra, secretary of the Daitapati servitor community. The fresh complaint has been filed by Jagannath Sena, a prominent socio-religious organization, at Singhadwara Police Station in Puri.

In their written complaint, Jagannath Sena has named Ramakrishna Das Mahapatra, demanding an immediate and impartial investigation into the alleged unauthorized transportation of sacred wood (darus) from the Puri Srimandir’s premises.

Allegations Levelled....

The organization has raised serious concerns over who took the sacred wood, how it was transported, and under whose permission or involvement, urging police to conduct a thorough probe. They have also demanded a detailed audit of the Darughara (the wood storage area), including an official verification of the quantity of daru currently stored.

“How the sacred wood was transported? Whether it was stolen or taken by giving money? Attempts are being made to cover up the issue owing to the upcoming Rath Yatra. Due to some vested interest persons, the entire servitors’ community, Puri and Odisha has been defamed. The illegal activities which have taken place, stern action should be taken,” said Priyadarshan Patnaik, convener of Jagannath Sena.

This latest move follows an earlier online complaint filed by RTI activist Jayanta Das, who accused Ramakrishna Das Mahapatra of removing the wood without prior permission from the temple administration.

Jagannath Sena, while filing the fresh FIR, has emphasized the sanctity of materials used in the rituals of Lord Jagannath, arguing that unauthorized handling or movement of these sacred items is a serious religious offense and needs to be dealt with legally and transparently.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions among devotees and servitor groups, with many calling for increased oversight and transparency in temple operations, especially in matters related to the Nabakalebara rituals and sacred wood used for carving deities for the Digha temple.

While the temple administration has yet to release an official statement on the matter, sources suggest that internal inquiries may soon be initiated to verify the allegations.