Spy cameras to drone flights: Puri Srimandir security breaches raise alarms

Barely hours after a devotee from Kolkata was detained inside Puri Srimandir for allegedly using spectacles fitted with a hidden spy camera, a fresh security scare has emerged over the 12th-century shrine. 

Late on Wednesday night, a drone was spotted hovering over the temple, despite the area being strictly designated as a ‘no-flying zone’.

According to eyewitnesses, the drone was first seen flying from the Market Chhak area towards the temple before circling above and moving towards Dolamandap Sahi. Initial suspicion suggests that the device may have been operated from near Market Chhak, but its origin and operator remain untraced.

The twin incidents, use of covert gadgets inside the sanctum and drone activity over the prohibited zone, have sparked serious concerns about lapses in temple security. Authorities fear that such breaches not only pose risks to devotees’ safety but also compromise the sanctity and protection of the centuries-old heritage monument.

So far, police have not issued any statement regarding the drone sighting, but pressure is mounting on enforcement agencies to plug security gaps and prevent further violations around Srimandir.

Recent Incidents Of Security Breaches At Puri Srimandir

On August 27, a devotee from Kolkata was detained by the Srimandir police for entering into the shrine with spectacles fitted with hidden cameras.

On August 4, a youth from Gujarat was caught while attempting to enter the temple premises wearing glasses equipped with a hidden spy camera.

Also Read: String of spy camera cases at Puri Srimandir sparks security concerns

Similarly on August 5, another youth from West Bengal was apprehended on Tuesday over the same kind of accusation.

Earlier on July 29, another youth from Puri was caught with a hidden camera device while attempting to record visuals inside the 12th century shrine.