Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri, Jul 22:

Two servitors of Sri Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri were arrested by Singhadwar police for allegedly misbehaving with Puri collector Arvind Agarwal during Niladri Bije, informed Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi today.

servitors

The arrested sevayats were identified as Surya Narayan Pratihari and Rahgunath Khuntia. While Pratihari was arrested early this morning, Khuntia was arrested in the afternoon.

Besides, 15 servitors have been identified in connection with the incident after examination of CCTV footage, the SP said. Out of the 15 sevayats, two have already been arrested on charges of attacking media persons during the Niladri Bije ritual, he added.

"Two sevayats were arrested for misbehaving the collector. After examining CCTV footage thoroughly, we have identified 15-20 more servitors. Four police teams have been formed to locate and arrest them. Warrants will be issued against the accused servitors if they fail to surrender by today. Action will be taken against anyone giving shelter to the servitors," Sarangi said.

Police have so far arrested 8 sevayats for creating disturbance during Niladri Bije. While six servitors were earlier arrested for attacking newsmen, two sevayats were arrested today for misbehaving with the collector.

Notably, some sevayats had an altercation with the collector during the Niladri Bije ritual when he confronted them after the servitors and their kin alighted from the Taladhwaja chariot, in clear violation of High Court and Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) orders. The incident had led to the delay in the conduct of rituals and pahandi of Lord Sudarshan.

Moments later, the sevayats had scuffle with media persons while they were trying to ascertain from the Nayak of Chhattisha Nijoga regarding the reason leading to the delay in the pahandi.