Puri police have launched an investigation after threatening graffiti, warning of a terrorist attack on the Jagannath Temple (Srimandir), was discovered on the walls of Budhi Maa Thakurani temple near the Balisahi entrance of the Parikrama Marg on Wednesday.
The graffiti, spotted in two places, mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and contained messages like “Terrorists will destroy the temple,” along with phone numbers and instructions to call. Locals also reported damage to decorative lights in the area.
The incident occurred in a high-security stretch of the Parikrama Marg, which is monitored by CCTV cameras and guarded round the clock. Residents expressed concern over how such activity could occur unnoticed, pointing to past complaints that several expensive surveillance systems remain non-functional.
Security at Srimandir has been under scrutiny before, with the Union Home Ministry and NSG repeatedly recommending tighter measures. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage from operational cameras and stepping up vigilance to protect one of India’s most revered shrines.
