Outrage as youth smokes cigarette inside Lingaraj temple premises

Bhubaneswar, Nov 27: Resentment has erupted among devotees after a photograph of a youth smoking a cigarette on the premises of the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar went viral on social media. The incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning the sanctity and security of the revered shrine.
The youth, identified as Devi Prasad Das, reportedly posted the photo on his Instagram account on Monday. The image shows him standing near the temple kitchen, smoking a cigarette—a blatant violation of the temple’s rules. Local police have launched an extensive manhunt to apprehend the individual and take necessary action.
This incident has reignited concerns over security lapses at the temple. Just a few days ago, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty stirred controversy by taking several photographs and videos within the temple premises. Devotees and locals are urging stricter security measures to protect the sanctity of the historic temple and prevent such incidents in the future.
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