A viral photograph taken inside the Jagannath Temple in Puri during the ongoing Rath Yatra has triggered serious questions over security arrangements.
The image, reportedly captured on the Baisi Pahacha during pahandi rituals, was uploaded on Instagram by user Vinay Bharadwaj (ID: vinay_bharadwaj10) and quickly spread across social media platforms.
The incident has sparked debate as photography inside the temple premises is strictly prohibited. Despite the deployment of over 13,000 police personnel for Rath Yatra security, the breach has raised concerns about possible lapses.
Authorities had announced elaborate security measures for the festival, covering the temple and the city of Puri. However, the viral photo has led to demands for a probe into how the image was captured and circulated.
Observers say such incidents not only challenge the sanctity of the shrine but also highlight vulnerabilities in crowd and security management during one of Odisha’s largest religious gatherings. The administration has yet to clarify what steps will be taken in response to the breach.
