Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: A servitor has been apprehended on charges of misconduct towards a female foreign national outside the northern gate of Bhubaneswar's Lingaraj temple. Identified as Kundu Mohapatra, the accused has been arrested under Sections 354 and 354 (a) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), announced Commissionerate Police on Wednesday.

According to preliminary reports, the Swedish tourist had visited Bhubaneswar and explored the vicinity near Lingaraj temple. Allegedly, the accused accompanied her to view the temple's main deities and behaved inappropriately toward her. Sources indicate that this is not the first time the servitor has been detained for such misconduct.

Prateek Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Bhubaneswar, disclosed that the Swedish tourist lodged a complaint detailing the servitor's misconduct during her temple visit on February 19, 2024. Following the complaint, Lingaraj Police initiated an inquiry, identified the servitor, and subsequently arrested him. The accused was presented before the court on the same day. The tourist received counseling, and her statement was recorded before a Magistrate.

DCP Singh emphasized that the Commissionerate Police and Lingaraj Police are vigilant, prioritizing tourist safety, and swiftly addressing grievances.

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