The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration suspended senior servitor Narayan Mekap after a scuffle broke out inside the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The clash occurred between Bhandar Mekap Madhusudan Mekap, popularly known as Kunipua, and his nephew Narayan Mekap, also known as Kishan.
Reports said the dispute began over temple duties and quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. The incident took place in the presence of Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Padhee, Puri District Collector, and the chairman of the high-level committee overseeing the Ratna Bhandar proceedings. Administrative officials and police intervened immediately to control the situation.
Taking strict action, the temple administration suspended Narayan Mekap from performing temple services with immediate effect. Officials described the incident as rare and unpleasant, given the sanctity of the Ratna Bhandar, which houses the deities’ ornaments and valuables.
Dr Padhee clarified that the clash did not affect the ongoing inventory and inspection work inside the Ratna Bhandar. He said the dispute stemmed from personal issues between the two servitors and urged them to resolve the matter amicably.
