Body of priest found on Shivling inside Odisha temple

In a shocking incident, the body of a temple priest was found lying on a Shivling inside a temple at Punanga village under Sadar police station limits in Jagatsinghpur district on Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash Panda, the priest of the temple. 

According to reports, Panda had gone to the temple around noon to perform daily rituals but did not return home thereafter.

Later, villagers discovered Panda's body lying on the Shivling inside the temple and immediately informed the police about the incident. 

Upon receiving the information, the police reached the spot and recovered the body. A scientific team has also been engaged to assist in the investigation.

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However, the exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained. It is suspected that Panda might have slipped and fallen, suffering a head injury that led to his death. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"The body of Om Prakash Panda was found inside the temple. He regularly worshipped there, and it was his personal temple. When a younger brother arrived at the temple, he found Panda lying in water with blood oozing from his head. The police were immediately informed, and the body was subsequently recovered. It is suspected that Panda may have slipped and fallen, suffering a head injury that led to his death," said Sarada Prasad Rana, a villager.