Two days later, the father of the accused minor in Bhubaneswar addressed the issue. In a video message, Pandit Kashinath Mishra clarified, “My son has never claimed to be a sinner.” He further stated that his son was only 4 to 5 years old when a birthday celebration took place at a friend’s house less than 10 years ago. Mishra explained that neither he, his wife, nor any of his relatives attended the event.
He mentioned that his son was seated on a bed with Tulsi placed under his feet during the celebration, claiming that some groups had conspired to fabricate the situation. “They are deliberately defaming my family,” Mishra said.
Mishra also stressed that he never referred to or preached that his son was a singer. He dismissed the viral photo as part of the conspiracy, adding that he has been promoting Jagannath culture globally. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Pandit Kashinath Mishra, a well-known speaker, became the subject of controversy when a photo surfaced showing his son with Tulsi under his feet. The image sparked outrage, prompting social activists to file a complaint at Bharatpur police station. The police visited Mishra’s Baikuntha Dham Ashram in Khadgiri to begin an investigation. However, they could not find the minor’s father, who is said to have fled in disguise following the incident.