In a security breach at the Jagannath Temple here, a man on Sunday climbed atop the Natamandap of the shrine. He was identified as Jitu Gaud (32) of Ganjam district.
Gaud climbed onto the structure through the Ghanti door of the temple, sources said. Some servitors caught him and handed him over to the personnel of Jagannath Temple Police Service (JTPS).
The Singhadwar police detained Gaud and began a probe into the incident. The police were trying to ascertain the motive behind Gaud taking the step.
Notably, a man had allegedly climbed atop the temple and removed the Patit Paban Bana (holy flag) in April 2019. The man reportedly tied his towel to the Neelachakra wheel on the top of the temple. Police had detained the man but released him after it was found that he was mentally ill.
A transgender had committed suicide by jumping off the Lions Gate of the temple in May this year.
Prior to this, a man from Khordha had entered into the temple at night in April 2022 and damaged 40 earthen chullhas at the shrine kitchen.