Puri: In a fresh incident of security breach in Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri, a servitor was caught while allegedly taking photographs of devotees inside the shrine complex using a mobile phone.
After the servitor was found taking pictures, the temple authorities swung into action over the violation of security protocol. Notably, mobile phones and other electronic devices are banned inside the 12th century shrine.
As per sources, the servitor was detained by police following the incident, but the temple authorities are yet to share his identity.
The incident comes barely a week after the temple sub-committee on security decided to strictly reinforcing the ban on carrying mobile phones inside the temple by all, including security personnel and servitors. It has been decided to introduce walkie-talkies for security personnel.
Similar incidents of security breach were reported in the temple in recent past. Photos from the inner Kirtan Chakadaa courtyard were circulated on social media earlier this year.
High-resolution images circulated widely, prompting an investigation by local police. Similar incidents were reported in February 2024 when a digital content creator from West Bengal posted images of the temple interiors on Instagram, raising concerns about persistent lapses in enforcement.
Besides the ban on mobile phones, authorities have also taken steps for aerial security. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently declared Shree Jagannath Temple a ‘Red Zone’ – a no-fly zone for drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles for three years. The move aims to prevent unauthorised drone flights that could compromise security. Anti-drone devices have also been installed to intercept and neutralise any rogue drone entering the restricted airspace.
