Bhubaneswar,July 31: In a move prompted by widespread outrage, Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress has removed a footmat featuring the image of Lord Jagannath from its listings. The product drew fierce criticism from devotees and the public alike, who viewed it as deeply disrespectful to religious sentiments.

The issue was first highlighted by Argus News Channel, whose continuous coverage amplified public awareness and protest. After significant backlash on social media, particularly on platform X, AliExpress acknowledged the concern and issued a statement confirming the product’s removal: “Upon receiving reports, the item was reviewed and removed.” The company also stated that it is actively monitoring listings to ensure safety and respect for cultural sensitivities.

The controversy escalated into a police complaint following Argus's report, and even drew condemnation from Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida. In a strongly worded post on X, she described Lord Jagannath as deeply intertwined with the soul and emotions of the Odia people, urging AliExpress to act swiftly and remove the offensive listing. She also called upon the company to issue a formal apology to devotees.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the cultural responsibility of global platforms and the vigilance of communities in protecting sacred symbols.