Bhubaneswar, July 9: Security at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri came under sharp focus on Thursday after a drone was spotted flying over the temple complex for a prolonged period, triggering concerns just days before the annual Rath Yatra, one of the country’s largest religious festivals.
According to reports, the drone was seen hovering above the temple premises at around 5:30 am. As soon as the information reached the authorities, Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh constituted a special police team and directed officers of Singhadwar Police Station to trace the drone and apprehend its operator without delay.
Following a swift search operation, police tracked the drone to Matimandap Sahi and seized the device. The person allegedly operating it was detained and identified as Jayakrushna Mondal, a resident of Kolkata. He is currently being questioned at Singhadwar Police Station to ascertain the purpose behind flying the drone over the high-security temple.
Police officials said a detailed investigation has been launched and legal action will be initiated in accordance with the law after verifying all facts. Investigators are examining whether the drone was flown with prior permission and whether any security protocols governing the temple’s no-fly zone were violated.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the security of the Jagannath Temple, especially as lakhs of devotees are expected to gather in Puri for the upcoming Rath Yatra. It is also the second reported drone sighting over the temple in recent times, prompting questions about surveillance and enforcement measures around the shrine.
Authorities are probing all possible angles, including the operator’s motive and whether the drone activity posed any threat to the security of the temple or the smooth conduct of the upcoming festival.
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