In August 2019, the Odisha government had announced that all structures around a 75-metre radius of the Jagannath Temple's Meghanada wall will be removed to ensure the safety and integrity of the 12th century shrine. After initial PILs were filed against it, the Amicus curie appointed by the SC had held that the Odisha govt's action is legal and justified.
The kidnapping and subsequent murder of a 24-year-old Mamata Meher of Jharni village under the Turekela block of Balangir district have sent shockwaves across the state
A barrage of allegations, from involvement in a sex racket to complicity in the disappearance and possible murder of the schoolteacher, have been levelled against minister Dibyashankar Mishra.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said his state would tide over the cyclone fallout by itself without burdening the central government during a raging pandemic.
"The lands, which are occupied or are under the possession of various persons since long but belongs to Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu; are being settled by Temple Committee as per the “Unified Policy”, framed for the purpose in the year 2003," the Temple administration stated.