The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has suspended servitor Rasmi Ranjan Datta Mahapatra for alleged indiscipline during the Banaka Lagi ritual of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee ordered the suspension after receiving a report from the temple Commander. The servitor allegedly misbehaved with the Commander and attempted to assault him during Wednesday’s ritual.
Police and temple authorities intervened swiftly, removing the accused servitor from the premises to ensure smooth conduct of rituals. The suspension comes just a day before the annual Rath Yatra, when lakhs of devotees gather in Puri.
Officials confirmed that the servitor has been placed under suspension until further orders.
