Lord Jagannath’s image on the wrappers of KitKat chocolate has sparked a controversy as it doesn’t go well with the devotees’ sentiments.

Netizens took to Twitter and drew the attention of Nestlé, maker of KitKat, demanding discontinuation of the photo on the wrappers. They said that people would throw the wrappers at road, drain and dustbin after having the chocolate.

However, the company has issued a statement saying it has already initiated the withdrawal of the packs from the market. “Kitkat travel break packs are meant to celebrate beautiful local destinations. Last year, we wanted to celebrate the culture of Odisha with designs on packs representing ‘Pattachitra’, an art form uniquely identifiable by its vivid imagery,” said the Nestlé in the statement.

“The visual was inspired by the Government tourism website. We wanted to encourage people to know about the art & its artisans. Our past campaigns have also shown that consumers like to collect & keep such beautiful designs,” it said.

“We do understand the sensitivity of the matter and regret if we have inadvertently hurt anyone’s sentiment. With immediate action, we have already initiated the withdrawal of these packs from the market. We thank you for your understanding and support,” it added.

On the other hand, the Hindu Samaj has lodged a complaint in this matter against the Nestle at the Cantonment police station in Cuttack demanding immediate removal of the picture of Lord Jagannath from the wrappers and action against the company.