A devotee from Uttar Pradesh was apprehended while attempting to climb the sacred Jagannath Temple premises near the Nrusingha Mandir.
The incident marks the third such attempt in recent weeks, sparking renewed scrutiny over the effectiveness of current security measures.
According to Puri SP Pinak Mishra, the individual was intercepted by temple security personnel and servitors before reaching the main structure. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the man acted out of emotional fervour, with no prior criminal record. Police confirmed that he is being held for further questioning.
The incident has prompted authorities to reassess existing protocols. Discussions are underway between the police, ASI, and temple administration to prevent future breaches. Informational signage will be installed inside the temple to deter such actions.
Despite recent barricading of vulnerable access points like the Ekadashi Ghara and Dakshini Ghara, the devotee managed to reach a restricted area, raising concerns about surveillance gaps. Police have now sealed these zones and deployed additional personnel for round-the-clock monitoring.
This follows two earlier incidents: one involving a devotee from Jharkhand who climbed nearly seven feet above the southern gate, and another from Ganjam who scaled the temple’s outer enclosure. These repeated breaches have intensified calls for a comprehensive security overhaul at the revered site.
