TV
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a grave incident at Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, where a servitor named Jogendra Samartha of the Samartha Nijog suffered critical injuries while performing rituals during the Maha Shivratri festival on February 26, 2025.
The sevayat reportedly fell from a height of nearly 20 feet while ascending the temple's peak to place the sacred Mahadeepa, resulting in severe facial injuries, excessive bleeding, and a fractured leg. The mishap, which occurred around 10:30 PM, also led to minor burn injuries to two other sevayats and a police officer due to hot oil spillage.
The NHRC’s intervention follows a formal complaint filed by Orissa High Court advocate and human rights activist Akhand, who raised concerns over the absence of safety mechanisms for temple servitors.
In response, the NHRC has issued notices to the District Magistrate, Khordha, and the Special Secretary, Home Department, Government of Odisha, seeking an Action Taken Report (ATR) within one week.
The matter has been listed for a hearing during the NHRC’s scheduled Camp Sitting/Open Hearing in Bhubaneswar on July 21, 2025. The venue will be announced soon. All concerned parties, including government officials, the complainant, and the victim or their representatives, have been directed to be present.
Radha Kishan Sharma, IPS, Special Secretary to the Government of Odisha (Home Department), has been appointed as the Nodal Officer for coordinating official participation and ensuring necessary support.
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The incident has sparked a wider debate about the lack of occupational safety measures for sevayats performing high-risk religious duties in major temples such as Lingaraj Temple and the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Despite these temples being under state management, there is reportedly no provision for safety gear such as harnesses or helmets, posing a grave risk to the lives of those engaged in these sacred rituals.
