Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: The three-member committee, formed to investigate the mishap involving Lord Balabhadra’s idol during its descent from the chariot to the ‘Adapa Mandap’ of Gundicha temple, commenced its inquiry on Tuesday.

The committee, consisting of an Additional District Magistrate (ADM), an Administrator (Development), and a DSP-rank officer, has begun questioning various individuals, including Anath Haladhar Das Mahapatra, son of Haladhar Das Mahapatra, the Badagrahi of Lord Balabhadra.

Additionally, the committee has interrogated Khuntia servitors, Pratihari servitors, officials of the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), and senior Daitapati servitors. The Chief Administrator of Srimandir participated virtually in the investigation.

On July 9, the holy idol of Lord Balabhadra fell on the ramp (charamala) of his chariot during the Pahandi ritual, injuring seven servitors involved in the ceremony.

The incident occurred as the heavy wooden idol was being moved to the Gundicha temple.

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