Bargarh, July 27 (UDN): An ancient idol of Lord Jagannath was allegedly stolen from a ceremonial chariot in Odisha’s Bargarh town, sparking outrage among devotees and prompting a police investigation.

The incident reportedly came to light during preparations for the Dwadashi Rath Melan at Hatpada Rathapadia, where chariots from different temples had assembled after the Ekadashi Bahuda Yatra.

According to sources, the chariots from Talipada Nrusingha Temple, the Samalei Temple area, and College Road reached Hatpada on Saturday night as part of the annual Rath Yatra traditions. During routine preparations on Sunday morning, servitors noticed that an ancient idol of Lord Jagannath, which had been placed beside the principal deity on the College Road chariot, was missing.

The discovery triggered concern among priests, servitors, and devotees, who immediately searched the area before informing the authorities. Members of the College Road Radhakrishna Temple Committee subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the local police.

The alleged theft has left devotees shocked, as the idol is believed to hold significant religious and historical importance. The incident has also raised questions about security arrangements at the festival site.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the missing idol. Investigators are examining CCTV footage collected from nearby locations and gathering evidence to identify those involved in the alleged theft.

Officials said every possible angle is being examined, and efforts are underway to recover the idol at the earliest. The investigation is continuing, while devotees have appealed to the authorities for swift action to ensure the safe return of the sacred idol.