Rath Yatra 2020: Odisha Orders Curfew-Like Shutdown In Puri District

Puri: Soon after Supreme Court gave its nod for Puri Rath Yatra, Odisha government swung into action and reviewed arrangements for the smooth conduct of the mega event scheduled tomorrow. As the apex court has fixed certain conditions with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, the State government today announced a complete shutdown in the pilgrim town from 9 PM tonight.

Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, who along with DGP Abhay made an urgent visit to Puri prior to the crucial Supreme Court hearing, informed that the shutdown in Puri will continue till 2 pm of Wednesday. All the entry routes to Puri will be sealed from today, he added.

With only a few hours left for Rath Yatra, it is going to be challenging task for Odisha Police. DGP Abhay informed that deployment of forces has already started from yesterday.

“Our responsibility is now to ensure proper pulling of chariots and check unauthorised entry. A shutdown will be enforced in Puri district from 9 pm tonight till Wednesday 2 pm,” said Abhay.

Abhay further informed that an elaborate plan has been made for Rath Yatra and over 50 platoons of police force will be deployed.

“We urge people to watch Rath Yatra on television and not to come to Badadanda tomorrow,” Abhay added.

“Already force deployment has started in #Puri & the district will be shut down from 9 PM tonight. Over 50 platoons of police force will be deployed for #RathYatra,” says #Odisha DGP Abhay pic.twitter.com/fdqsMHB6RO

— OTV (@otvnews) June 22, 2020

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)

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