Lephripara: Tension flared over alleged animal sacrifice on the occasion of Bijaya Dasami at Maa Samaleswari Temple located close to the local police station in Sundargarh district Monday.
The rumours sparked outrage amongst locals who demanded immediate action in this regard.
However, police refuted the rumours terming them baseless and mischievous.
Sundargarh SP Nikhil Kanodia, apprehending violence, ordered a probe into the matter. Later, additional SP Pramod Kumar Patel along with a police team reached the venue and conducted an investigation, sources said.
Measures will be taken after the reports come, SP Kanodia said. Meanwhile, locals along with the puja committee convened a meeting at the local panchayat office.
The alleged animal sacrifice was discussed at the meeting with many
residents claiming the rumours to have tainted the culture and tradition of Lephripara.
Later, the puja committee members in the meeting decided to submit a written memorandum against the rumours with Sundargarh collector and SP, sources said.
Residents got together and sent a memorandum addressed to Union minister Maneka Gandhi and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals demanding action in this regard.
According to sources, 45 incidents of animal sacrifice were committed by locals while three animals were reportedly sacrificed by local police on the occasion of Bijaya Dasami. Goats and hens were sacrificed during the puja.
However, IIC Anil Kumar Parida refuted the reports. We will investigate the matter if it is found to be true, he added. PNN