Selfie in Puri temple, Police begin probe

Puri: A youth claiming to be a sevayat at the Srimandir has posted selfies taken inside the temple on his social media profile which has raised questions on how mobile phones were permitted within the temple premises. Police has begun probe into the incident after the post has gone viral.

While visitors to the temple are not allowed to carry mobile phones into the shrine, the youth’s selfie posts have triggered debates regarding security measures at the temple. The youth who has mentioned to be a ‘singhari’ sevayat in the posts, has posted his selfies with the temple interiors as backdrop many times earlier too.

Police has taken up the issue suo motu and said action will be taken according to Temple Act for which temple administration will be consulted.

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“First we are inquiring if the youth is indeed a sevayat or a visitor because frisking is carried out on all four gates and mobile phones are not allowed. Few days ago we had caught a sevayat’s mobile phone while recording the daily ritual of flag hoisting in the temple and submitted the phone to temple administration. Since we are not able to take any legal action despite frequent breaches in this way, we will discuss with the temple administration to find out if we can carry out action as per 30 Temple Act. In this case also we will try to confiscate the phone and see what action can be taken as per law,”said Sarthak Sarangi, Puri SP.