A woman alleged caste-based discrimination at a Shiva temple in Kaudipur village under Sadar police station limits in Balasore district.
She claimed the temple priest stopped her from offering prayers during Raja Sankranti.
The complainant said she visited the temple to perform puja but was denied the opportunity by the priest, who asked her to leave. She lodged a written complaint at the Haldipada police outpost, prompting officials to investigate.
The accused priest denied caste bias and explained that the issue stemmed from traditional family worship protocols. He said the complainant attempted rituals on her own, which contradicted the practice followed by her mother-in-law, who usually provided her name and Gotra for puja. He insisted his remarks were misunderstood.
Police personnel reached the village immediately after receiving the complaint. Authorities concluded that structural caste discrimination could not be established. However, they issued a formal warning to maintain community harmony.
ASI Mujibud Rahman Khan stated that the investigation found no evidence of caste discrimination. He acknowledged that the accused may have spoken under external influence but stressed that such incidents must not recur.
