TV
Fresh allegations of bribery have surfaced at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, after a video went viral on social media showing money being collected from devotees for quick entry to the 12th century shrine through the Singhadwara.
The footage reportedly shows some ‘Jatri Gumasthas’ collecting Rs 100 per head from devotees to allow them easy passage through a barricaded lane. The route is officially reserved for servitors and VIPs, but in the video, ordinary pilgrims can be seen entering with the help of the middlemen. Allegations have also been made that a portion of the money collected was passed on to police personnel posted at the barricade.
Several devotees and even temple servitors have voiced concerns, stating that such practices not only result inconvenience for ordinary pilgrims but also dilute the sanctity of the centuries-old shrine. Many described it as an ‘open secret’, claiming that such transactions take place regularly in front of the main entrance.
Reacting to the viral video, Puri District Collector assured that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such activities. Officials pointed out that this is not the first time that such allegations have emerged. A few months ago, a police constable was suspended for similar misconduct at the ‘Paschima Dwara’. Earlier this month, Puri police had also arrested 12 fake touts who were posing as ‘Jatri Gumasthas’ to extort money from unsuspecting devotees.
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The latest incident has once again highlighted the challenges of managing heavy footfall at the Srimandir. Devotees have urged the administration to tighten monitoring and ensure that crowd management remains fair, transparent, and free from malpractice.
