Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the Maha Shivaratri incident at Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, where a servitor sustained critical injuries after falling from a height while carrying the sacred ‘Mahadeepa’ as part of Maha Shivratri rituals on February 26, 2025.
The Commission has issued notices to the District Magistrate, Khurda, and the Special Secretary, Home Department, Government of Odisha, seeking an Action Taken Report (ATR) within one week.
A hearing has been scheduled for July 21, 2025 during the NHRC’s Camp Sitting scheduled for July 21, 2025 in Bhubaneswar, where all concerned officials, the complainant, and the victim servitor Jogendra Samartha or their representatives are expected to be present.
The rights body expressed concern over the mishap after a formal complaint was filed by advocate and human rights activist Akhand, highlighting the need for ensuring safety standards and protective protocols for seniors across the state.
As per the case history, servitor Jogendra Samartha of the Samartha Nijog sustained critical injuries after falling from a height of nearly 20 feet while carrying the sacred ‘Mahadeepa’ (holy lamp) to the peak of the historic Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar around 10:30 PM. The fall resulted in severe facial injuries, profuse bleeding, and a leg fracture. The incident also caused minor injuries to two other priests and a police official due to hot oil spillage, and all the injured were rushed to the Capital Hospital for medical treatment.
