TV
A senior Sevayat (servitor) identified as Jagannath Dikshit was allegedly murdered while the Snana Purnima celebrations were underway in Puri on Wednesday. The incident occurred at Rabeni Chaura in Gudia Sahi, shattering the festive atmosphere and raising security concerns.
Also Read: Puri shocker! Man hacked to death over plucking of green coconuts
According to sources, the deceased elderly man who belonged to Mahasuarasahi suffered fatal head injuries and succumbed. While the purpose of his visit to the residence of a man named Narayan Pattajoshi remains a mystery, critical evidence (video footage) has been obtained from a nearby CCTV that may prove instrumental to the probe.
Local police are investigating past feuds as a potential motive for this violent crime.
The incident poses a grave test for cops, especially given that over 70 platoons of force were deployed to ensure the festival’s smooth conduct and the safety of devotees.
Past enmity suspected in the murder
Following the alleged murder, Narayan Pattajoshi has fled, complicating the investigation further. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
“A senior Jagannath Temple servitor, Jagannath Dikshit (83) was allegedly killed near Rabeni Chaura. The body was found outside a house, with nearby CCTV capturing the incident. It is suspected that the murder stemmed from past enmity,” some locals stated.
“The murder appears to be fallout of personal enmity. Preliminary probe suggests that the incident occurred due to past enmity and it will become clearer after further investigation. Efforts are on to apprehend the accused person,” Puri SP Vinit Agrawal said.
Worth mentioning, a youth was earlier hacked to death on May 16 over the alleged plucking of green coconuts in Masanichandi Sahi locality under Baselisahi police limits in Puri town. The deceased was identified as Kuna Behera.
The accused Lipun Bhoi and his accomplices had stormed into Kuna’s house and hacked him to death while he was asleep. The heinous incident had alarmed the town, with Baselisahi police rushing to the locality to avoid any untoward incident.
