Puri Srimandir security: Violations rise amid Illegal drone flights, mobile phones

The Odisha government has revealed that Srimandir in Puri has witnessed 10 instances of illegal drone flights since June 2024. 

The information was placed in the Odisha Assembly through a written reply by Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.

According to the minister’s statement, out of the 10 registered cases related to unauthorised drone operations over the temple premises, final form has been submitted in two cases, while investigation is still underway in the remaining eight cases.

The Minister informed that as many as 700 individuals were found to have entered the temple premises carrying mobile phones in violation of established norms. In connection with these violations, a total fine of Rs 6,93,000 has been collected from the offenders.

Also Read: DGCA declares Puri Jagannath Temple as ‘Red Zone’ for 3 years; anti-drone systems deployed

In this regard, as many as nine cases have been registered at the Singhadwar Police Station. Of these, seven cases have been disposed of, while investigation is ongoing in two cases.

Additionally, the Minister stated that eight separate cases have been registered at the Singhadwar Police Station for illegally capturing photographs or videos inside the temple or its premises and circulating them on social media platforms. Investigation has been completed in five of these cases, while the probe is continuing in the remaining three.

The disclosure has once again brought attention to security concerns and enforcement challenges at the 12th-century shrine, which remains one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the country.