70-platoon police to guard Puri pilgrimage town during Debasnana Purnima festivities

As Puri gears up for the sacred Debasnana Purnima (divine bath of the Holy Trinity) on June 11, the district administration intensified preparations on Thursday. With a major influx of devotees expected, a robust 70-platoon police deployment aims to ensure safety, traffic regulation, and smooth Darshan arrangements.

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According to official sources, the Puri district administration is preparing for Debasnana Purnima, a significant ritual preceding the world-famous Rath Yatra in the pilgrimage town. A comprehensive security meeting chaired by the Central Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) S Praveen Kumar reviewed readiness, emphasising the importance of safety and traffic control.

To manage the massive crowd of devotees and ensure a smooth ritual process, 70 platoons of police force will be deployed across the town. In addition to this, more than 450 officers, including four SP-rank officials and commandants, will be on duty.

The focus of the deployment includes maintaining orderly Darshan (viewing of the deities), managing traffic effectively, and ensuring tight security throughout Puri. The Central Range IG underlined the prioritisation of security in the region.

Puri SP Vinit Agrawal, in-charge from various police stations, and top police personnel were present during the review meeting. Special attention will be given to ensure disciplined access for devotees and overall public safety during the festivities.

“We have made elaborate security arrangements for Debasnana Purnima. Police personnel are fully prepared to ensure smooth Darshan of the deities. Strategic decisions have been taken for effective traffic control,” the Central Range IG said to mediapersons.

AI-enabled CCTV cameras for surveillance

“AI (artificial intelligence)-enabled CCTV cameras will be in place for surveillance and traffic control. We have upgraded the control room accordingly. A Rakshak vehicle and QRTs (quick response teams) will also remain on toes for any eventuality,” the Police IG stated.

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“Apart from these, we have detailed other security measures,” IG Praveen Kumar added.