Puri: In a bizarre incident, a youth climbed atop the 12th century Puri Sri Mandir today morning and allegedly removed the holy flag (‘bana’) tied to the auspicious Nilachakra.
Reports stated that the youth, who hails from Bhadrak, is said to be mentally unstable. The matter came to the fore as soon as locals and temple administration noticed him and created ruckus. On intimation, Singhadwara Police Station held the youth for further probe into the matter.
Talking to OMMCOM NEWS, Puri SP Uma Shankar Das said, “We have detained him. Preliminary investigation reveals that his statements are contradictory. It appears that he lacks mental balance.”
A temple servitor Sarada Prasad Mohanty said, “It isn’t a matter of today, but much earlier, happening frequently. He escaped through the metal ladder behind the temple at around 9-9.30 am. While climbing down, our boys noticed him. He had some flags in his hand. He has tied an old towel atop the temple. While rituals may not get stalled, the Nilachakra has to be purified due to the old towel tied to it.”
Following this, devotees and local residents questioned the security arrangements at the historic temple and expressed strong resentment.
