Puri, Oct 19: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has suspended servitor Chandan Samantara amid allegations of his involvement in an attack on a senior staff member. Samantara, a Pantibadu servitor at the revered Jagannath Temple, has been barred from entering the temple premises and the temple's kitchen.
The suspension comes after an incident on Friday afternoon when SJTA supervisor Buxi Ramchandra Pratihari was assaulted with a sharp weapon near the Paschima Dwara (West Gate) of the temple. Pratihari, who also serves as a temple servitor, sustained injuries to his hand and other areas of his body and was immediately admitted to Puri DHH for treatment.
Sources said that, the argument stemmed from a dispute over temple regulations. A non-servitor, who was allegedly selling Rabdi made from condensed milk at the Ananda Bazaar, attacked Pratihari after he intervened to enforce the temple's selling restrictions.
In connection with the incident, both Samantara and another accused individual were detained at the Singhadwar police station as authorities continue their investigation into the troubling event. The SJTA emphasizes its commitment to maintaining order and safety within the sacred space as the community grapples with the implications of this alarming incident.
