Puri: Two Muslim youths were detained today after they entered the 12th century Jagannath Temple here, which is out of bounds for non-Hindus.

Three Indonesian Hindus, including two women, were also detained on suspicion that they were non-Hindus, but were later released after ascertaining their religious identity. The Indonesians were spotted during mangala aarti , a ritual performed daily when the temple doors open.

The priests said they were accompanied by Mahabahu Das, a local devotee of Iskcon, who are disallowed entry.

The foreigners, however, were found to be Hindus after they produced their passport and visas and were later released, police inspector in-charge of the temple Gyana Ranjan Mohapatra said.

A few hours later, the priests accosted two youths in their teens and handed them over to the police. Mohapatra said both the youths were Muslims from a village in Sundargarh district. They had been identified as Aftab Alam (19) and Mohammed Wasim Asghar (18). "They have been detained and are being questioned," he said. 

Source : PTI