Puri (SunstarTV Bureau): Puri Police busted a racket issuing fake Covid negative report for entry into Srimandir in pilgrim town and arrested total 12 persons including the kingpin and four devotees in this connection, on Saturday.
Acting on a tip-off that few devotees are trying to enter Shree Jagannath Temple by showing fake RT-PCR reports, Puri Police initiated stern legal action after due enquiry.
Three separate cases have been registered in this connection – two at the Singhadwar Police Station and one at the Kumbharpada Police Station under relevant sections of law in last 12 days.
Without revealing names, Puri Police revealed the identities of accused persons involved in using fake RT-PCR certificates for entry into the Jagannath Temple.
Of 4 persons arrested in illegal act, two are devotees from Madhya Pradesh. Another two accused persons hail from Puri district. One more accused in the case is absconding, a press note issued by Puri Police stated today.
The four accused persons have been arrested under sections 465/471/120(B)(34) of IPC in a case registered at the Singhadwar Police Station on August 27, 2021.
During course of investigation, the police seized incriminating articles including computer used for issuing fake RT-PCR certificates to devotees.
Further probe into the cases is underway and more arrests are likely in coming days.
The Puri Police appealed to all devotees not to indulge in such malpractices when visiting the pilgrim town for darshan of Lord Jagannath.
