Byomakesh Ray, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA was fined Rs 2,000 after his car was found parked in a no parking zone near the Jagannath Temple in Puri. 

According to police sources, Ray's vehicle was parked near the Jagannath temple on Wednesday. A video of the parked car went viral on social media. After being informed about the violation, the Puri police on Thursday imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on Ray.

MLA fined in Odisha
Puri: The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings began in Odisha's Puri on June 23, 2020. The annual festival is being celebrated after the Supreme Court's nod to organise it in a limited way without public attendance, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The priests performed the "Mangala Aarti" early in the morning. Amid blowing of conches and beating of cymbals, the ceremonial procession of the deities known as "Pahandi" - carrying the deities on chariots out of the temple -- took place. The festival marks the annual journey of the three deities -- Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra -- from the 12th century Jagannath temple to the Gundicha temple.IANS

An e-challan of Rs 2,000 was issued in Ray's name for violating traffic rules and parking his vehicle in no parking zone, said traffic inspector Dillip Dhal.

On the other hand, Ray said that he was not present in the vehicle during the incident and his driver had gone with the car to bring 'Abadha' from the temple. However, when the police stopped the vehicle near the temple, he returned.

"I have paid the fine," said Ray putting the row over to rest.

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