In a concerning breach of security, four youths reportedly entered the Puri Jagannath Temple by scaling the Meghanada Pacheri, the sacred shrine’s outer boundary wall.
The incident has triggered widespread alarm, particularly in light of the high-alert security arrangements in place during and after the annual Rath Yatra and Niladri Bije rituals.
Visual footage of the individuals climbing the southern gate wall and accessing the temple premises has left devotees and authorities shocked. Despite the extensive deployment of security personnel around the Srimandir, the intruders managed to go undetected, raising serious questions about the efficiency and attentiveness of on-ground surveillance.
Investigations are currently underway to determine the motive behind the breach and whether it stemmed from a deliberate oversight or a lapse in vigilance. The intrusion is especially alarming given prior intelligence warnings that the Jagannath Temple may be on the radar of terrorist organisations, which had prompted increased security measures in recent weeks.
“This is a serious security breach. It is very surprising that despite the huge deployment of forces during Rath Yatra, no one noticed them climbing the wall. Amid terror threats, such a lapse raises grave concerns,” remarked renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik.
As police and temple authorities conduct a detailed probe, devotees and citizens are calling for urgent accountability and immediate reinforcement of the temple’s security protocols. The incident has reignited discussions about safeguarding Puri Srimandir, not just as a sacred religious destination but also as a national heritage site of immense cultural significance.
