The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Odisha): In a prompt judicial response, an Odisha court has handed down an 18-month prison term to a temple priest found guilty of sexually harassing a foreign female visitor. This swift legal action unfolded within a mere four weeks following the reported misconduct, demonstrating the court’s commitment to justice. The individual at the center of this case, Kundan Mahapatra, a ‘sevayat’ (priest) serving at the revered Shree Lingaraj Temple, faced accusations of inappropriately interacting with a Swedish tourist.
This incident occurred on February 19, while the tourist was exploring the vicinity of the ancient 11th Century Lingaraj temple on her own. The aggrieved party promptly reported the unsettling encounter to the local law enforcement, leading to the priest’s arrest on the very day of the incident. Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, the police prepared and submitted the charge sheet against Mahapatra within four days, on February 23, propelling the case into the trial phase by February 26. This case underscores the legal system’s capacity to act decisively in safeguarding the rights and dignity of visitors from abroad, reinforcing a message of zero tolerance towards such reprehensible acts.