India, April 3 -- A sculpture resembling a crocodile (Mugger) head which is historically significant and located at Meghanada Pacheri (grand wall) near the Dakshina Dwar (southern gate) of Srimandir (Jagannath Temple) in Puri has been removed, sources said on Thursday.

This has caused concern among the temple's Sevayats (servitors) about its conservation.

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) allegedly removed the sculpture without informing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Significance of the sculpture The site is used as a temporary office by the Archaeology Department and accommodates a water tank including Nirmalya Khala, which has led to increased water outflow, some servitors alleged.

Traditionally, water drainag...