Odisha policeman suspended for entering Jagannath temple amid lockdown

Bhubaneswar, Apr 20 () A police inspector in Odishahas been suspended for allegedly entering Shree Jagannathtemple in Puri, in violation of the ongoing lockdown imposedto contain the spread of novel coronavirus, a senior officersaid on Monday.

A case has been registered against the inspector forhis misconduct, the officer said.

"DGP has placed Inspector Deepak Kumar Jena IICBadachana PS under suspension for his misconduct. PuriSinghdwar PS Case no 40/2020 has also been registered againsthim," the Odisha police tweeted.

Despite a ban on the entry of people and congregationat places of worship enforced in the wake of the COVID-19outbreak, the officer along with his family members hadentered Shree Jagannath temple through the south gate of the12th century shrine on Saturday evening, police said.

The matter came to light after a havildar on-duty, whohad tried to stop them from entering the temple, lodged an FIRat Singhadwar police station.

After preliminary investigation, a case was registeredagainst Jena for violating regulations imposed in the wake ofthe coronavirus outbreak, and further enquiry is in progress,the officer said.

All places of worship in Odisha including ShreeJagannath temple have been closed for devotees amid thelockdown. COR SKNBDC BDC