2 Groups Of Servitors Fight In Puri Jagannath Temple, Senior Sevayat Injured

Puri: A senior servitor of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri was seriously injured on Monday as two groups of sevayats entered into a fierce fight in the 12th century shrine.

Tension prevailed in and around the temple following the clash between servitors near the Beherana Dwara of the shrine in the afternoon

Sources said a heated argument erupted between some servitors over distribution of Paduka to the devotees near the Beherana Dwara. However, it took an ugly turn when the sevayats attacked each other physically and exchanged blows.

A senior servitor, identified as Biswanath Khunitia, was critically injured in the incident. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

After getting information, the Singhadwar Police rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. Some of the servitors were taken to the police station. An investigation has been launched by the police into the incident and some servitors are being questioned.

The incident sparked sharp reaction from devotees and others. Many urges the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to take exemplary action against the servitors involved in the violent incident.