Two drones flew over the Jagannath Temple in Puri on March 25, raising serious questions about security during the sensitive Rathna Bhandar counting process.
The incident occurred at 5:23 pm when the drones hovered around the Nilachakra and circled the temple premises.
Witnesses reported the drone’s movement near the sacred structure, sparking immediate concern among devotees and officials. The timing of the incident, coinciding with the ongoing Rathna Bhandar inventory, intensified discussions about surveillance lapses.
Temple authorities and police officials acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Security teams began reviewing footage and investigating how the drones managed to breach restricted airspace. The temple remains one of the most protected religious sites in India, with strict prohibitions on aerial activity.
The incident has triggered widespread debate about the adequacy of current security measures. Devotees expressed alarm that such a breach could occur during a period of heightened vigilance.
