Sambalpur: A controversy erupted in Sambalpur after more than 300 liquor bottles and signs of a suspected chicken feast were discovered within the premises of the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple, triggering strong reactions from devotees and priests.
The bottles were reportedly found behind the temple’s ‘deepa ghar’ (lamp house). Several makeshift hearths (chulhas) were also spotted at the site, raising suspicions that meat had been cooked and consumed there.
The incident has sparked outrage among devotees, who termed it a serious insult to the sentiments of lakhs of worshippers visiting the shrine of Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of western Odisha. Questions have also been raised about how such activities could take place inside the temple premises despite the presence of hundreds of security personnel and extensive CCTV surveillance.
Soon after the incident came to light, priests and devotees staged protests and demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged desecration of the temple premises. They also held the security agency responsible for the lapse.
Following the protests, a cleaning drive was carried out in the area and efforts were made to remove the liquor bottles from the site. The security agency has reportedly admitted to the lapse and assured that such incidents will not recur in the future.
Meanwhile, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation swung into action after the matter surfaced. Officials said a notice would be issued to the agency responsible for sanitation and security inside the temple premises.
Acting on instructions, Enforcement Officer Sushant Sahu reached the spot and directed the agency concerned to take immediate corrective measures. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain who organised the alleged gathering and how the liquor bottles and other materials were brought inside the temple premises.
The incident has led to widespread anger and renewed demands for stricter monitoring and accountability to safeguard the sanctity of the historic shrine.
