Rath Yatra: 180 platoons of police force to be deployed in Puri

With Rath Yatra, the annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath and his sibling just nine days away, the pilgrim town of Puri will be under a thick security blanket during the grand festival.

According to sources, as many as 180 platoons of police force will be deployed in Puri for the smooth and timely conduct of the Rath Yatra, which will see a footfall of lakhs of devotees from across the globe. 

Earlier in the day, a team of Rapid Action Force (RAF) headed by Ashish Kumar Singh, IG (Central Range), performed a mock drill in front the Singha Dwara of the 12th-century shrine.

Among others, Puri SP, Kanwar Vishal Singh and senior officials of the Rapid Action Force were also present during the mock drill.

“RAF works to facilitate the conduct of rituals of the deities in a peaceful manner amid large congregation of devotees. We will take care of the outer cordon,” said Shailendra Kumar, second-in-command of RAF.

“We had a detailed discussion on the security arrangements for the annual festival. We are now doing spot rehearsal of the cordon arrangement. We hope like last year, the Rath Yatra will be conducted smoothly this year too,” Puri SP, Kanwar Vishal Singh said.

Notably, the Rath Yatra this year will begin on June 20.