A state government fact-finding team recently visited the residence of Maa Taratarini to assess the security situation. Transport Minister Bibhu Bhushan Jena, along with Food Supply Minister Krishnachandra Pan, and MLAs from Sorda, Khallikot, and Kabisuryanagar, reviewed security arrangements on-site.
Late on the 5th, looters targeted the temple, stealing valuables worth lakhs of rupees. Purushottampur police are investigating, but after four days, the robbers remain unidentified.
The state government has responded to this incident seriously, acknowledging the emotional impact on devotees. The fact-finding team examined the theft of Maa’s jewellery and the status of the ongoing investigation. They also reviewed the temple’s CCTV system and directed police to expedite the arrest of those responsible.
Minister Krishnachandra Pan expressed the government’s commitment to protect the temple, saying, “While the temple symbolizes our heritage and tradition, previous administrations overlooked its security. Our government will ensure full protection.”
Following the incident, Maa Taratarini was given a ceremonial purification bath. Devotees, led by the Sevayat family, carried water from the Punyatoya Rushikulya River, climbing 999 steps to reach the temple. They performed a grand bathing ritual with 108 pitchers of water, followed by other traditional worship rituals.