Bhubaneswar, July 16: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (STJA) has lodged a formal complaint concerning the unauthorized presence of non-servitors on the chariots during the Rath Yatra of the Holy Trinity. The complaint was filed at Singhadwar Police Station, Puri, on Tuesday.

Ajaya Kumar Jena, OSD (Development) of STJA, filed the complaint, urging strict action against individuals and non-servitors who were present on the chariots of Lord Jagannath and His sibling deities during the Rath Yatra.

The letter stated, "We have noticed the presence of some unauthorized persons/servitors on the chariots of the Lords during this year’s Rath Yatra. This is a clear violation of the Byabasthabali guidelines formulated for the smooth management of this year’s Rath Yatra. We are submitting herewith two still photographs and two videos in respect of the chariots of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra, showing that some unidentified persons were found on the top of the chariots and below on the wheels on July 7th and 8th during this year’s Rath Yatra."

Furthermore, the letter requested the identification of the wrongdoers and necessary action per the rules. It also asked for the verification and communication of the names of the individuals atop the chariots to their higher authorities for appropriate disciplinary action.

The complaint was submitted with evidence, including two photographs, a pen drive containing two video clips, and a copy of Byabasthabali 2024, highlighting the relevant guidelines regarding the Rath Yatra.

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