Puri: A minor boy was grievously injured after allegedly being assaulted by police personnel near the Bahara Katha area of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri.
The incident reportedly took place on Friday night amid a heavy rush of devotees at the 12th century shrine.
Following the incident, the injured child was immediately shifted to hospital in a temple ambulance. Doctors attending the minor stated that his condition is being closely monitored and that he may be referred to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Sources said Achyutananda Biswal of Bhandaripokhari in Bhadrak district had visited the Temple along with his wife and minor son for darshan. While the family was moving in the crowd near the Bahara Katha, a man stated to be a police personnel allegedly assaulted the child.
It was alleged that when the family protested the act, the police personnel again resorted to physical assault. The child reportedly lost consciousness following the incident, prompting immediate medical attention.
The matter was subsequently brought to the notice of the Puri Superintendent of Police. Senior police officials joined the investigation to ascertain the circumstances in which the incident took place. Investigation into the incident is underway.
