Major security lapse: Unidentified drone falls near Odisha CM Mohan Majhi during Jharsuguda visit

In a major security lapse, a drone fell significantly close to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during his visit to Jharsuguda. While the incident took place on Thursday, its visuals surfaced today and received widespread scrutiny on social media.

The incident reportedly took place when the Chief Minister was heading towards the Jhadaeshwar Temple in the Purunabasti area of the city when an unidentified drone suddenly fell near him, leaving him startled and those accompanying him, including Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari.

Security personnel, including the CM’s Personal Security Officer and local police, swiftly kicked the drone away.

Initial reports suggest that the drone was intended for photography purposes, but how it managed to breach security protocols and fell so close to the Chief Minister remains unclear. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause and accountability behind the incident.

Meanwhile, serious questions are being raised about how such a security lapse occurred and who permitted the drone to fly over the Chief Minister’s head. The case has received further attention after another unauthorized drone was spotted flying over the Jagannath Temple in Puri early this morning.

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At about 4:10 am today, a drone was spotted in the restricted airspace around Srimandir, circling the temple, and moving along the Meghanada Pacheri. It subsequently hovered over the Dadhinauti and Neelachakra, later passing over the northern gate and ascending from Sridanda before retreating into the distance.

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Similar to the security breach involving CM Majhi, authorities have not yet identified the operator or how the drone entered the airspace. However, in the Jagannath Temple incident, Puri SP has assured swift identification and legal action against the drone operator.