Servitor Injured In Attack Over Sale Of ‘Rabdi’ In Puri Jagannath Temple

Puri: A servitor of Jagannath temple in Puri was injured in an attack following a dispute over sale of ‘Rabdi’ (a sweet delicacy) inside the temple on Friday.

According to sources, the assailant, who has not been identified, was selling the Rabdi at Anand Bazaar on the temple premises in the afternoon. The servitor, Buxi Ramchandra Pratihari, who is also a supervisor of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), told him to wind up the shop and vacate the place.

Pratihari pointed out that only Suar and Mahasuar servitors of the temple were authorised to sell cooked or dry prasad in the Anand Bazar. Since the seller did not belong to any group, Pratihari told him to go away. This led to an argument between the two.

Later, while Pratihari was standing near Paschima Dwara (western gate) of the temple, the seller attacked him with a sharp weapon. Pratihari, who sustained injuries in several parts of his body, was rushed the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). His condition was stated to be stable.