Miscreants attack devotee in Puri, loot valuables

Puri: Unidentified miscreants have attacked a devotee and looted valuables near Jagannath Ballav parking lot in the pilgrim city on Tuesday.

As per reports, three miscreants allegedly slit the throat of the devotee, identified as Pramod Jena of Cuttack while he was returning after having a darshan of the deities at the Srimandir. Jena further stated the miscreants also snatched his gold chain and wallet.

When Jena resisted the loot, the miscreants attacked him with a sharp weapon and an iron rod causing grievous injuries on his neck and head.

Jena was initially rushed to a hospital in Puri in a critical condition and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Meanwhile, a case in this connection has been registered at the Puri Town police station and cops have initiated an investigation into the incident.

The incident raises question over the safety and security of devotees coming from different places to have a darshan of the deities at the Srimandir.

It is pertinent to mention that a youth who was critically injured after being shot at near Puri Gundicha Temple early in Tuesday morning succumbed to his injuries in the night.

According to sources, the youth, Sanjay Behera alias Para, was critically injured after four miscreants chased and fired three rounds of bullets at him near Nakachana gate of Puri Gundicha Temple.