Drone Spotted Hovering Over Puri Jagannath Temple Raising Security Concerns, Probe Underway

Puri: A drone was sighted hovering over the restricted airspace around Shree Jagananth Temple in Odisha’s Puri early on Sunday, raising security concerns.

As per preliminary information, a drone reportedly moved towards the 12th century shrine from Dolamandap Sahi shortly after 4 am. It initially circled around the temple premises before moving along the Meghanada Pacheri, the outer boundary wall of the shrine complex.

Sources said the unidentified drone even flew over the Temple’s Dadhinauti and circled above the Neelachakra. It was also reportedly spotted passing over the northern gate area before flying back.

Temple authorities were yet to identify the person operating the drone, and the circumstances under which it managed to enter the restricted airspace.

A team of the police has initiated an investigation to identify the person who flew the drone over the temple and legal steps will be taken soon, Puri Superintendent of Police said.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said if any person tries to disrupt the security of the temple, strict legal action will be taken.

The incident comes at a time when tourist destinations like Puri along with several parts of the state are being beefed up with heightened security measures ahead of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas scheduled to take place from the January 8 to 10 in Bhubaneswar.