TV
In a serious breach of security, four youths allegedly scaled the Meghanada Pacheri (the outer boundary wall) of Puri Srimandir and entered the temple premises, raising grave concerns over the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.
The incident occurred despite the heavy deployment of security personnel in and around the temple during and after the Rath Yatra and Niladri Bije rituals.
Visuals of the youths climbing the southern gate wall of the temple and entering the inner complex have shocked devotees and raised questions about how such a lapse could happen under tight surveillance.
It is still unclear what their motive was, and whether the security personnel were unaware or simply negligent at the time. The matter is currently under investigation.
What’s more alarming is that intelligence agencies had earlier warned that the Jagannath Temple was on the radar of terrorist organisations, prompting heightened security alerts. Yet, this breach clearly points to serious gaps in security enforcement.
“This is a serious security breach. It is very surprising that despite the huge deployment of security forces during Rath Yatra, no one spotted them climbing the wall and entering the premises. Amid terror threat, such a lapse has raised serious questions,” said eminent sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik
As police and temple authorities probe the incident, devotees and citizens alike are demanding accountability and urgent reinforcement of security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
The matter has sparked widespread concern, as the sacred shrine of Lord Jagannath is not only a religious landmark but also a high-value national heritage site.
