The Singhadwar police on Tuesday recorded the statement of Italy-born Odissi dancer Padmashree Ileana Citaristi, who was allegedly manhandled by two servitors atop the chariot of lord Jagannath in Puri on July 21 (Sunday) last.
A team led by Singhadwar police station IIC MF Senapati visited the residence of Ileana near Bindusagar here and recorded her statement in details. “She elaborated us about the incident in details and we recorded her statement. This was a part of our investigation process, which is still on,” said Senapati.
Deeply hurt, Ileana suggested that the priests should be well-mannered and behave in a friendly way. “I am shocked. I never expect such behaviour from the servitors of lord Jagannath. I feel steps should be taken to educate them (servitors) how to deal with the devotees,” said Ileana.
Notably, two servitors had slapped and shoved her down the chariot of lord Jagannath on July 21 after she refused to pay them Rs 1,000 they were demanding from her. Following it, she had lodged a complaint with Puri Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee. The latter had asked Singhadwar police to carry out an investigation.