Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has lodged a complaint with the police against servitors for allegedly using mobile phones on the chariots during the Rath Yatra festival in Puri in violation of the protocols.
Sources said a formal complaint was lodged with the Singhadwar Police Station after visuals showing the use of mobile phones on the chariots of the sibling deities during the Rath Yatra went viral on social media and other platforms.
The office of the Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Security, lodged the complaint with the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of the Singhadwar Police Station.
As per the temple administration, the use of mobile phones on the chariots violates established protocols and compromises the sanctity of the rituals. The letter also raised concerns over potential safety risks, stating that such behaviour endangers both life and property during the highly crowded and spiritually significant event.
The temple administration has urged the police to initiate legal action against those responsible for violating the ban. Photographic evidence showing servitors using mobile phones on chariots was enclosed with the complaint.
The ban on mobile phone usage during the Rath Yatra is a long-standing protocol intended to preserve the religious sanctity of the occasion and ensure public safety amid large crowds.