Odisha devotee attacked by servitors inside Jagannath temple

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri, May 20:

A devotee was brutally attacked by a group of servitors inside Lord Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri yesterday after he refused to pay the dakshina demanded by a priest.

Singhdwara Police have arrested the servitor, identified as Chandan Khuntia (30), from Harachandi Sahi following the written complaint lodged by his family.

The victim, identified as Sanatan Nayak from Ranital village under Jagadalpur police station limits of Bhadrak district, had come to the temple along with his family to pay a visit to the Lord.

Things turned ugly when a servitor insisted on taking his daughter for a tour of the ratna singhasana against his will. A scuffle ensued after Sanatan refused to pay the dakshina demanded by the priest. Four other servitors joined the first servitor and attacked Sanatan critically injuring him.

His family rescued him from the attackers after much effort. They took him to the Singhdwara Police station where he filed a written complaint. Sanatan was later taken to the government hospital for treatment. His family also accused the servitors for taking away Rs 15,000 that Sanatan had with him.

While this incident happened in the presence of many other devotees and servitors, no one came to the rescue of the victim. Personnel of the Jagannath temple police and general police present at the place remained mute spectators as the servitors assaulted Sanatan.