Puri Police detained a youth from Kolkata for flying a drone over the Shree Jagannath Temple early Thursday morning, reinforcing strict security measures around the sacred site.
At around 5:30 a.m., temple security teams spotted a drone hovering near the temple premises. Acting immediately, a special police team formed under the direction of Puri SP Prateek Singh reached the spot and seized the drone from Matimandap Sahi area.
The operator, identified as Jayakrishna Mandal from Kolkata, was taken into custody for unauthorised drone operation. Police also confiscated the equipment used in the incident. The accused remains detained at Singhadwar Police Station as investigators examine all aspects of the case.
Authorities confirmed that legal action will follow based on the investigation’s findings. The police emphasised that flying drones without permission in or around the temple’s protected zone constitutes a punishable offence under existing laws.
Puri Police urged citizens to avoid such activities and respect temple security protocols. Officials reiterated that the Shree Jagannath Temple remains a high-security zone, and any violation of aerial restrictions will invite strict consequences.
