Puri: A servitor of Lord Jagannath Temple here has been detained by the Singhadwar Police for allegedly attacking fellow sevayat leading to minor injuries of his forehead, near the Uttardwara of the 12th-century shrine on Monday morning.
The accused 'Suara' servitor, Ramakrushna Khuntia is being interrogated by the police while the 'Jatri Sahayak' servitor identified as Damodar Gochikar was rushed to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) and discharged after preliminary treatment.
As per reports, Khuntia was entering the 12th century shrine with kudua (clay pots) from the 'Hastidwara' (northern gate) today morning when Gochikar, who was on duty at the gate stopped him and asked to take the Aswadwara (southern gate), as per the directions of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). This led to an altercation between the two servitors.
Later in a fit of rage, Khuntia hit the Jatri Sahayak servitor with a kudua on his forehead leading to blood spill on the floor of the temple.
It may be mentioned here that the Suara servitors have been directed by the SJTA to take the southern gate while visiting the kitchen of the shrine.
"I was on duty at the Uttaradwara when Khuntia tried to enter the temple with a kudua on his hand from the gate. As kudua, rice, dal and other items are only allowed from southern gate, I intercepted him and requested him to take the other gate. On this, he started hurling abuses at me and attacked me with the clay pot," said Gochikar.
Following a complaint by Khuntia, the Singhadwar Police Station has started an investigation into the incident. Further details awaited.
(Edited By Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)
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