Puri Police intensify crackdown on mobile phone use in Jagannath Temple

Police administration in Puri has stepped up measures to prohibit mobile phone use within the sacred precincts of Lord Jagannath Temple – the 12th Century Vaishnavite shrine. This follows recent incidents where photos taken inside the shrine were widely circulated on social media creating a stir across Odisha, sources said on Tuesday.

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In response, police have launched a campaign to educate the devotees coming to the shrine about strict no-phone policy within the temple premises. Posters have been prominently displayed around the complex, clearly stating the prohibition on mobile devices.

Visitors found flouting these regulations will face legal penalties, as per the warnings issued by the police. Informative signage outlining these repercussions has been strategically placed at all four entrances of the temple to ensure maximum visibility.

“After the viral photos (taken inside the sanctum sanctorum) came to our knowledge, we immediately registered a case and launched a probe. Three separate teams are on job and we will certainly apprehend the wrongdoer,” Puri SP Vinit Agrawal said.

“Another person was flying a drone near the temple yesterday. Our team detected it and nabbed the accused man. We have registered a case against him and seized the drone from his possession. A detailed probe is underway,” the SP expressed.

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“I appeal to all devotees through you (the media) not to use any camera or mobile phone inside the temple as use of those are strictly prohibited,” the SP stated.

“The devotees must cooperate with the police administration and abide by the prescribed norms. In case anyone flouts the norms, we will take legal action,” the SP warned.