Non-Sevayats On Chariots During Puri Rath Yatra, SJTA Files Police Complaint

Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Tuesday filed a complaint at Singhadwar police station in Odisha’s Puri town in connection with alleged presence of non-servitors on the chariots of the sibling deities during Rath Yatra.

The complaint was lodged by SJTA’s OSD (Development) Ajaya Kumar Jena.

According to sources, the SJTA has sought stringent action against the unauthorised presence of general public and non-servitors on the chariots of Lord Jagannath and His sibling during Rath Yatra. This was a violation of the guidelines formulated for the smooth management of Rath Yatra, the complaint stated.

The complaint was submitted with Singhadwar police along with photographs, a pen drive containing two video clips, and a copy of Byabasthabali (guidelines), for Rath Yatra, 2024. The incident allegedly occurred on July 7 and 8, when persons identified as non-servitors were spotted atop the chariots and seated on the wheels.

The complaint further stated, “You are requested to identify the wrongdoers and take necessary action as per rules. Further, the name of the persons atop the Chariots may please be verified and intimated to us for necessary communication to their higher authority to take suitable disciplinary action.”