Bhubaneswar, June 24: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Tuesday categorically denied allegations of the theft of 'Modak'—a sacred Ayurvedic offering used in rituals—from the premises of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Responding to reports that 70 Dasamula Modaks were missing from a total of 313 stored in the Garada (a sacred chamber), Harichandan said the claim holds no ground. “These Modaks are never individually counted. The question of theft does not arise,” he told the media, referencing clarification already provided by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee.

The Minister slammed those spreading what he described as "baseless and confusing" narratives and warned of legal action against individuals attempting to mislead the public.

Echoing the Minister, Dr. Padhee confirmed that a preliminary inquiry found no evidence to support the theft claims made by Haladhara Dasmohapatra, Badagrahi of Lord Balabhadra. He urged the public and media to refrain from speculating on confidential temple rituals and focus on the smooth conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra.

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