‘Vajra’ armoured vehicle deployed at Puri Jagannath temple ahead of Ratha Yatra
By Swagatika Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar, May 12: In a decisive move to bolster security ahead of the grand Ratha Yatra festival, Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania visited the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri on Monday to review security preparedness.
The visit holds particular significance against the backdrop of heightened national security concerns following recent tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s retaliatory ‘Operation Sindoor.’
With thousands of pilgrims expected to converge in Puri for the annual chariot festival, security agencies are leaving no stone unturned.
During his on-ground assessment, the DGP personally inspected the deployment of police personnel and security infrastructure in and around the 12th-century shrine. Among the notable upgrades this year is the deployment of the armoured vehicle ‘Vajra,’ which was seen patrolling the vicinity of the temple’s main entrance — a visible demonstration of the state’s enhanced security protocol.
Specially trained armed commandos equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry have also been positioned at strategic locations. This heightened security presence is intended both as a preventive measure against potential threats and as a reassurance to devotees and visitors.
The security drill covered a comprehensive review of crowd management strategies, surveillance infrastructure, and emergency response systems. Special emphasis has been placed on CCTV monitoring, rapid response teams, and seamless coordination with local civic authorities to manage the enormous influx of pilgrims during the Yatra.
Sources in the police department confirmed that forces remain on high alert, with final rehearsals for emergency protocols currently underway. Authorities indicated that further updates and security refinements would be announced in the coming days as part of the ongoing preparations.
It is noteworthy that, in the run-up to Rath Yatra, a team from the elite National Security Guard (NSG) had earlier conducted a detailed security audit of the temple premises. The NSG officials held extensive discussions with senior police officers and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), further strengthening the multi-layered security framework in place for the revered festival.
