India, May 5 -- The allegation of using surplus neem wood from Puri Jagannath Temple in making of idols for Digha temple was proved to be false, informed Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan today.

Speaking to reporters after receiving a report from Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in connection with a probe into alleged use of surplus wood collected for 2015 Nabakalebar ceremony at Puri Jagannath Temple, Harichandan said that the surplus wood has not been transported to anywhere from Puri. The idols installed at Digha Jagannath Temple have been made of neem wood in Bhubaneswar.

"After discussing with Maharana servitors, it was made clear that it is impossible to carve 2.5 ft-high idols out of surplus wood. The Dai...