With the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath approaching, security has been significantly stepped up in the pilgrim town of Puri. An anti-riot vehicle named ‘Vajra’ has been deployed along with armed commandos near the historic 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple. The move is part of an extensive security operation led by Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania, who personally visited Puri to review the readiness of police and security personnel ahead of the grand religious procession.

DGP Khurania carried out a detailed inspection of the security arrangements around the temple, taking stock of the preparedness of law enforcement agencies to tackle any potential threats during the festival. He reviewed the functioning of modern surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV monitoring systems, and evaluated the effectiveness of rapid response units stationed nearby. The DGP also examined the measures put in place for crowd control and coordinated emergency responses in view of the massive footfall expected during Rath Yatra. Discussions were also held with local authorities to ensure smooth coordination between civil administration and security forces.

The heightened security comes amid ongoing concerns over national security following Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation that escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. Although the situation at the borders has reportedly calmed, Odisha continues to remain under high alert, particularly in urban areas and around vital installations. The deployment of ‘Vajra’ and other anti-riot equipment near the Jagannath Temple reflects this cautious approach.

Adding to the state’s security preparations, a four-member team from the National Security Guard (NSG) also visited the temple complex recently. Their inspection was part of a routine security assessment, conducted annually to ensure readiness for handling terrorist threats and managing large crowds during significant festivals. The NSG team focused on anti-terror strategies and assessed the temple’s vulnerabilities in the context of Rath Yatra.

In total, more than 240 police personnel have been stationed in and around the temple premises. Their duties include monitoring pilgrim movement, enforcing crowd control protocols, and responding quickly to any emergencies. The Odisha Police has also made arrangements for drone surveillance, medical response teams, and traffic management to prevent congestion and ensure the safety of pilgrims.

As lakhs of devotees are expected to arrive in Puri for the Rath Yatra, the state administration and law enforcement agencies are working round-the-clock to create a secure and peaceful environment for the religious celebrations. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with the deployed forces, follow safety guidelines, and report any suspicious activities to ensure a smooth and incident-free festival.