Puri: With the world-famous Rath Yatra fast approaching, the Puri Police have stepped up the crackdown on crime and anti-social activities under a special ‘Clean City Drive.’
The special drive aims at ensuring a safe and secure environment during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and siblings in the pilgrim town which is set to attract lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad.
During the crackdown, at least 23 anti-social elements have been arrested and eight criminal cases registered in last 24 hours, police said on Monday.
As part of the drive, Singhadwar Police arrested a man for allegedly extorting money from devotees by falsely promising to facilitate quick darshan at the Jagannath Temple. Police said strict surveillance has been put in place to curb the exploitation of pilgrims and to take immediate action against those indulging in such illegal activities.
During a series of raids, police also seized a large cache of weapons and contraband. The recoveries included three swords, four knives, an iron rod, several bottles of cough syrup, and more than 750 litres of illegal liquor.
Data released by the police showed that 307 anti-social elements have been arrested so far this year. In the crackdown against the illegal trade of Corex syrup, 29 persons have been arrested in 19 cases, with over 1,600 bottles seized. Similarly, 28 people have been arrested in 47 brown sugar-related cases.
The police have also registered 623 cases of drunken driving and 350 cases related to the illegal liquor trade during the year as part of their sustained enforcement efforts.
All necessary arrangements are being made in coordination with the temple administration and Puri district authorities for the convenience and safety of devotees visiting Puri during the Ratha Yatra festival, a police official said.
