Security Increased at Puri Jagannatha Temple

BY: SUN STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Jagannath Puri temple complex watchtower
[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

Apr 21, 2014 —JAGANNATHA PURI, ORISSA — A jittery Odisha government on Monday scaled up security at Jagannath Temple in Puri in the wake of intelligence inputs of a possible terror strike during the world famous Rath Yatra, scheduled for June 29th.

The massive security makeover has been made after two arrested operatives of Indian Mujahideen, a terrorist outfit, told the Delhi police that they had plans to sabotage the Rath Yatra. Police are also on toe as the government is gearing up for the 2015 Nabakalebar festival of Lord Jagannath.

Security guards frisk devotees at Jagannath Temple entrance
[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

"Though the Delhi police is verifying the authenticity of the statements of the two Indian Mujahideen activists, we are not leaving anything to chance. Security has been tightened in and around the Jagannath Temple," said Odisha director general of police Prakash Mishra.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

Security has been toned up at the 12th Century Jagannath Temple that stands among the high risk category shrines in India. Gun-toting cops took positions around the temple. On normal days the security of Jagannath Temple lies in the hands of nearly 100 armed police personnel, 80 unarmed cops, 1 ASP, 1 DSP, 1 inspector, 3 sub-inspectors and 26 assistant sub-inspectors, sources said. More officers and forces are mobilized during festive occasions. A number of high frequency CCTV cameras have been installed at vantage points in and around the temple.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

"We have also kept a vigilant eye on marine route in Puri. Hotels have been kept on alert and periodical checks of suspicious visitors are going on," Puri superintendent of police Anup Sahoo informed.

Auto-rickshaw drivers, rickshaw pullers, guides and all those who are associated with tourism industry have been urged to keep an eye on suspicious visitors, he said.

Puri Sankaracharya talks to the media
[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]

Puri Sankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati came down heavily on the State and Central governments for not giving priority to temples, ashrams and mutts in the hallowed town. "I am ready to advise the state and Central governments for uplift of the temple security. But nobody has sought my opinion in the past 22 years," the Puri seer said.

[ Photo: Sampradaya Sun ]