India, May 2 -- The Odisha government has ordered a probe into the reports that surplus neem wood (sacred Daru) from Nabakalebar rituals at Puri Jagannath temple were taken to Digha in West Bengal for construction of idols for a newly-built temple.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has asked Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief Arabinda Padhee to conduct a probe in this regard.

"The SJTA has been directed to conduct a probe and reveal the truths to the people of Odisha as well as the devotees of Lord Jagannath. Appropriate action should be taken against anyone found guilty in this connection," read the letter.

There were media reports that surplus neem wood from 2015 Nabakalebar rituals at Puri Jagannath temple had b...