Puri Rath Yatra: Fake Servitors Enter Gundicha Temple, Detained

Puri: Police on Friday detained two persons, who allegedly entered Gundicha Temple in the guise of servitors.

The detainees, identified as Abhijit Mohanty of Kumbharpada area and Smruti Ranjan Mohanty of Markandeswar Sahi, are being interrogated by Kumbharpada police, sources said.

The duo entered the temple as Jagannath temple servitors this morning and had holy darshan of the deities on Adapa Mandap during Mangala Alati.

Some servitors grew suspicious and questioned. But they failed to give satisfactory answers and were handed over to the Jagganath Temple police personnel.

Notably, entry of devotees into the temple is strictly prohibited amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the incident, questions are being raised on security arrangements ta the shrine.