Puri police have arrested a man for creating a fake Facebook account and posting threatening messages targeting Puri Srimandir and Rajya Sabha MP Subhasish Khuntia.
The accused, identified as Prateek Mishra from the Kendrapara Sadar police station area, allegedly did this to defame a woman who rejected his romantic advances.
According to police reports, Mishra was romantically interested in Juli Rani Panda. When she refused his proposals, he reportedly used her SIM card without her knowledge to create a Facebook account in her name on January 11. Under this fake profile, he posted alarming threats, including: “A bomb will explode soon in Puri Jagannath Temple,” “Subhasish Khuntia will be shot soon,” and “I will open fire soon at Puri Grand Centre.”
The posts quickly raised alarms on social media, prompting an immediate investigation by Puri police. Authorities traced the account back to Mishra through digital forensics and call records. A case was registered against him under number 18/26 at the Singhadwar police station, leading to his swift arrest.
During interrogation, Mishra confessed that his intent was solely to tarnish Panda’s reputation by making it appear as though she was behind the threats.
Police emphasised that there was no credible evidence of any actual planned attacks, and the posts were fabricated for personal vendetta. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
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In a statement, Khuntia revealed that two days ago, he received a message on his mobile demanding ₹10 lakh and urging him to resign from his Rajya Sabha position. Dismissing it as a hoax initially, he was alarmed when similar threats surfaced on social media yesterday (January 20). The posts, originating from a Facebook ID named “Juli Rani Panda,” explicitly stated: “A bomb will soon explode inside Sri Mandir,” “Gunfire will erupt at Puri Grand Center,” and “Subhasish Khuntia will be shot.”
“I have informed the police about this, and I have requested the Puri SP to enhance security for me and my family,” Khuntia said. He emphasized the broader implications, noting that threats to a major tourist hub like Puri could instill fear among pilgrims and visitors to the Sri Jagannath Temple and other sites. “Comprehensive security measures must be strengthened in Puri and other tourist destinations across the state,” he urged.
Khuntia has taken the matter to the highest level, appealing directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In his message, he highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in Odisha, stating that if a sitting MP’s safety is at risk, the general public is even more vulnerable. He called for immediate action to protect his life, his family, and the historic Sri Jagannath Temple, which holds immense cultural and religious significance for millions.
As investigations continue, Khuntia remains resolute: “No one can keep me away from my work.”
