Puri, June 24: Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Tuesday refuted the allegation, raised by a section of servitors, that 70 modaks—traditional Ayurvedic offerings prepared for Lord Jagannath during the Anavasara ritual, were theft from the temple's storeroom.

"No Modak is missing. Misinformation is being spread," the Minister told reporters.

The allegation of theft surfaced as Lord Balabhadra’s Badagrahi, Haladhar Das Mahapatra, said 313 modaks were placed in the temple’s Garada Ghar (storage room) by temple servitors, but only 243 were reportedly available later. He demanded an investigation and official response from the temple administration.

Stating that available Modakas have lost sanctity due to the theft of 70, Das Mahapatra also wanted to know how left-out Modakas were offered to the deities and who would be responsible for that.

However, the Law Minister refuted the claims, stating no theft occurred and alleging that certain individuals were spreading misinformation for personal agendas. “Such misleading narratives are unacceptable, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Lord Jagannath's Badagrahi (Chief Servitor) Jagannath Swain Mohapatra acknowledged the possibility of the theft, calling for a probe based on CCTV footage.

This incident has stirred unease among devotees and raised questions about transparency in the temple’s internal processes, particularly as the Rath Yatra approaches.

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