Bhubaneswar, June 16 -- Allegations of caste-based discrimination surfaced in Kaudipur village, under the Sadar police station limits in Balasore district, on Monday. A local woman was allegedly prevented from offering prayers at the village Shiva temple.

The incident occurred during the festive occasion of Raja Sankranti. Following a formal written complaint lodged by the woman at the Haldipada police outpost, officials visited the village to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

According to the complainant, she had visited the temple specifically to perform puja for the festival. She alleged that the temple priest denied her the opportunity to offer her prayers and asked her to leave the temple premises.

The accused priest, however, d...