Not many of young servitors are found at the Shreemandir these days, especially after the Puri police have been on an arrest spree following the October 3 violence in the pilgrim town.
While hundreds of servitors have hidden themselves to evade arrest, only a few old servitors are found loitering near the Jagannath Temple for collection of pilgrims. The reason for the decrease in number of youths in the servitor community is said to be a fear psychosis of being trapped by the police.
The Lion’s Gate, which happens to be the roaming place for the servitors to get devotees, wears almost a deserted look after October 3. Sources said even many servitors are not visible at home at night. In the search operation during the late night in the streets, police are finding them absent.
This has affected the guide services of pilgrims and tourists in the Jagannath Temple. The tourists and pilgrims needing guide support for their temple visit are found entering without a priest leading them.
Sources said the CCTV cameras and mobile phones have stood as a stumbling block for many servitors who had been involved in the riot during the Puri bandh. From CCTV footages, the police have been able to easily spot the rioters.
Sources also said many people who were present at various spots along the violence-hit Grand Road (Badadanda) are gradually sharing mobile pictures to the police. It has further helped the police spot the offenders. However, the manhunt launched by police has not succeeded much as many of masterminds are at large. It is said that they have fled to far-off places.