Puri: A servitor has been suspended and barred from entering the premises of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri town, following allegations of involvement in immoral activities.
The servitor, identified as Shraddhananda Das Mahapatra, was recently arrested in connection with a cybercrime case.
He was suspended on Thursday by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee under provisions of the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955. The official order debars Mahapatra from performing any temple duties and prohibits his entry into the Srimandir.
According to temple officials, the alleged misconduct has tarnished the dignity and reputation of both the 12th-centru shrine and the servitor community.
Padhee stressed that while the overwhelming majority of servitors uphold discipline and adhere to traditional codes of conduct during rituals, isolated incidents of indiscipline by a few individuals bring disrepute to the entire community. He made it clear that the administration would not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour or violation of temple norms.
