A shocking crime unfolded in Puri during the sacred Snana Purnima festival as senior sevayat (temple servitor) Jagannath Dikshit was brutally murdered in broad daylight.
The incident occurred at Rabenia Chowk in Goudia Sahi, falling under Town Police limits, despite heightened security arrangements, including over 70 platoons deployed for the festival.
Responding to media queries, Puri SP Vinit Agarwal said that previous enmity is suspected to be the motive behind the gruesome attack. He further said that the surveillance footage is being checked for clues.
As per sources, police officials have identified fellow Sevayat Narayan Pattajoshi as a suspect, who remains absconding as investigations continue. Senior officers, including Gokul Ranjan Das, are reviewing the evidence and pursuing leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder.
As devotees gathered to celebrate Lord Jagannath’s ceremonial bath, the shocking crime has cast a shadow over the spiritual fervour. Further updates from police investigations are awaited.
