Bhubaneswar: The three-member committee, constituted to probe the pahandi mishap of Lord Balabadhra’s idol while being taken off his chariot to the ‘Adapa Mandap’ of Gundicha temple, began its investigation on Tuesday.
As per the report, the committee comprising an Additional District Magistrate (ADM), an Administrator (Development) and an officer of DSP rank has started questioning various individuals, including the Anath Haladhar Das Mahapatra, son of Haladhar Das Mahapatra who is Badagrahi of Lord Balabhadra.
Besides, the three-member committee has also interrogated the Khuntia servitors, Pratihari servitors, officials of the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and senior Daitapati servitors as part of its investigation. The Chief Administrator of Srimandir was present virtually as part of the investigation.
It is pertinent to note that on July 9 the holy idol of Lord Balabhadra fell on the ramp (charamala) of his chariot when the idol was being taken out from the chariot in Pahandi. Seven servitors involved in the rituals were injured in the incident.
The incident occurred when the heavy wooden idol was being brought down to be taken to the Gundicha temple.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and opposition criticism, prompting the government to form an investigation committee. The committee has been tasked with determining the cause of the incident and identifying those responsible.
