The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a mishap at the historic Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar during Maha Shivratri celebrations earlier this year.
The incident involved servitor Jogendra Samartha, who suffered critical injuries after falling from a height of nearly 20 feet while carrying the sacred Mahadeepa to the temple’s peak on February 26, 2025.
Following a formal complaint by rights activist Akhand, the NHRC has issued notices to the District Magistrate of Khurda and the Special Secretary of the Odisha Home Department, seeking an Action Taken Report (ATR) within a week. The matter will be heard at the NHRC’s Camp Sitting in Bhubaneswar on July 21, 2025, where all concerned parties, including the victim or their representatives, are expected to be present.
The accident resulted in severe facial injuries, profuse bleeding, and a fractured leg for the servitor. Additionally, two priests and a police official sustained minor burns due to a hot oil spillage during the ritual. All injured individuals were rushed to the Capital Hospital for treatment.
The incident has raised pressing concerns over safety measures and protective protocols in place at heritage religious sites, especially during high-risk ceremonial occasions involving elderly servitors.
As public and institutional scrutiny intensifies, many await the government’s response in the upcoming NHRC hearing.
