Notice On 3 JTP Personnel Over Neelachakra Flag Removal

Puri: A week after a mentally-challenged minor scaled the Jagannath Temple in Puri and removed the temple flag, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration on Friday served notices on three policemen of the Jagannath Temple Police (JTP). They have been asked to reply in two weeks.

The incident had taken place at around 8.15 am on April 20 when the minor boy hailing from Bhadrak district scaled the temple and removed the temple flag (Patitapaban Bana) from the Neelachakra.

Some devotees, who witnessed the incident, immediately informed the temple police. Following the information, temple subedar Jogesh Swain and caught hold of the minor boy while he was coming down. The JTP had handed over the minor to the Simhadwara Police, who let him off after interrogation.

Expressing resentment over the incident, the temple sevayats had brought the matter to the notice of the SJTA and demanded action against the temple police for dereliction of duty.