The Goa government has ordered an inquiry into reports that a “purification ritual” was conducted on Saturday at the state-run Kala Academy in Panaji, where the body of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar was kept.

Art and Culture Minister Govind Gawade told PTI that he had ordered the inquiry after a section of the media reported that a purification ritual was carried out by some persons on the academy premises where Parrikar's mortal remains was kept on Monday before final rites.

“I have taken a strong note of these activities.... We cannot promote or patronise unscientific activities in government buildings,” Gawade said.

Parrikar, 63, died on Sunday after battling a pancreatic ailment for a year. 

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