Puri: At a time when the Supreme Court has directed the Puri Srimandir temple administration to carry out reforms and ensure hassle-free darshan for devotees, another instance of a devotee being beaten up by a servitor on the temple premises surfaced today. A complaint has been lodged in this regard at the Singhadwara police station.
As per the complainant, identified as Brajabandhu Biswal of Banapur in Khurda, a servitor (Bojhia) selling Mahaprasad (bhog) at the Anand Bazaar thrashed him after an argument.
“While having Mahaprasad along with family members at the Anand Bazaar, a person came to us and scolded for keeping a glass of water. When I opposed, the 'Bojhia' youth beat me up with a ‘kadua’ (earthen pot). Besides, he used foul languages against my family members,” said Biswal.
Meanwhile, Singhadwara police has detained one person on the basis of the complaint.
Earlier in May, a devotee from Maharashtra was attacked by servitors for failing to pay ‘dakshina’ as demanded. He had sustained injuries on his hand while opposing an attempt to snatch a gold pendant from him.
It is pertinent to mention here that the apex court on June 8 had sought a report from the Puri District Judge on ways to curb mismanagement and alleged exploitation of the devotees at Puri Srimandir.