SJTA contemplating to instal CCTV cameras in Jagannath temple

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is contemplating to instal CCTV cameras inside the 12th century shrine to keep a tab on the activities of the devotees and the servitors, a SJTA official said today.

A devotee from Maharashtra was allegedly assaulted by some servitors near 'Bhitara Katha' (entry point to sanctum sanctorum) inside the temple on Sunday.

"We are contemplating to install CCTV cameras near Bhitar Katha of the temple after Sunday's incident. The activities of the priests and devotees can be seen by using the CCTV," said SJTA's administrator (rituals) Pradip Das.

He said the incident of alleged assault of a devotee by some servitors on May 20 has been seriously taken by the temple administration.

"To ensure that no such untoward incident takes place again, the temple administration will install CCTV near Bhitara Katha," Das said adding that the CCTV cameras will be switched off when secret rituals of the Lord takes place. The CCTV cameras would be switched on again when the rituals are completed, he added.

According to a complaint lodged at Singhadwar police station by the devotee Chetan G Amolkar from Thane, Maharashtra, his family had gone to the temple for the darshan of the Lords when a group of servitors demanded excess money towards 'dakshina'.

When he refused to pay the demanded amount, the servitors allegedly thrashed him and snatched away his gold chain, Amolkar said his his complaint.

He also alleged that the servitors manhandled his wife.

Meanwhile, Chhatisha Nijog (body of servitors) yesterday suspended two sevayats (servitors) on the charge of assaulting Amolkar and manhandling his wife.

The temple administration has relieved the two sevayats of their duty for an indefinite period.