Puri Rath Yatra: Mobile Phones On Chariots For Selfies, SJTA Files Police Complaint

Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has filed complaints against two servitors for using mobile phones on the chariots of the sibling deities during Bahuda Yatra on Monday.

SJTA’s OSD (Development) Ajay Kumar Jena has lodged the complaint with Kumbharpada police in this connection along with photographic evidence. The police said a case will be registered and evidence will be thoroughly examined to identify these servitors.

According to reports, the servitors were found using mobile phones on Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra’s chariots during Bahuda Yatra on Monday.

It may be mentioned that SJTA imposed a ban on the use of mobile phones after many servitors were found atop the chariots for capturing videos and selfies. Chief Administrator of SJTA Arabinda Padhee had warned of strict action against use of mobile phones on the chariots.

Padhee’s instructions came days after the idol of Lord Balabhadra fell on servitors while it was being taken out from Taladhwaja chariot (Pahandi ritual) on July 9. At least nine servitors of the Puri Jagannath temple were injured in the incident.

The mishap was attributed to alleged overcrowding and overuse of mobile phones on the chariots.

In a similar action, SJTA lodged police complaints on Monday against three men, who posed as servitors and boarded the chariots during Bahuda Yatra.