Puri: Photos of Srimandir’s interiors, including the sanctum sanctorum, went viral on social media after a scientist of the Dhanbad-based Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) uploaded them on his Facebook account. The scientist, Sadanand Sharma, was part of an inspection team to the 12th century shrine.
Later, Sharma deleted the photos from his Facebook account after drawing heavy flak. The incident once again exposed the poor security at the temple.
It is learnt that a team comprising officials and experts from the state Public Works Department, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Srimandir technical committee, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and CIMFR examined the temple’s sanctum sanctorum and other structures June 27 when the deities were away at the Srigundicha temple during Rath Yatra.
Sources said the photos were taken during the inspection. The iron scaffoldings installed at Jagamohan for renovation were clearly visible in the photos.
In one photo, Srimandir technical committee member NC Pal and two other experts were seen examining Jagamohan roof by lighting a torch. Pal was seen writing something on a pad in the presence of three others in another photo. In one photo 10 experts were seen posing for the camera.
SJTA Chief PK Jena said that Sharma was earlier associated with the temple conservation project and has apologised for posting the pictures on Facebook.
In his letter to the temple administration, the CIMFR scientist said that he was unaware of the issue’s gravity.
“I had visited the temple to inspect repair works. I had no other motive. I request the SJTA, the media and the public to forgive me. All the photos have been removed from my FB account and the incident will not be repeated,” Sharma said in his letter.
Earlier, Law Minister Pratap Jena also reacted to this and said that the matter will be probed and action taken.
The SJTA had banned electronic gadgets like cameras and mobile phones from the shrine due to the terrorist threat to Srimandir. Security personnel deployed at the four gates of Srimandir have been told to prevent pilgrims from carrying these banned things into the shrine.
On some occasions, some devotees, servitors and SJTA employees have managed to bring mobile phones into the shrine. Recently, a youth had posted selfies taken inside the temple on his social media accounts.
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