Bhubaneswar, 09 July (H.S.): Security concerns have intensified at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri ahead of the annual Rath Yatra after a drone was allegedly flown over the temple premises on Thursday morning, prompting swift action by security personnel.

According to eyewitnesses, the drone hovered over the 12th-century shrine for a considerable period, capturing photographs and videos from multiple angles. It was reportedly seen flying near the sacred Neelachakra and circling the temple complex, raising concerns about a potential security lapse in the designated no-fly zone.

A special security team tracked the drone operator and detained him near Mangu Math in Mati Mandap Sahi, close to the temple. The accused has been identified as Jayakrishna Mondal, a resident of Kolkata.

The drone was seized, and both the accused and the equipment were handed over to Singhadwar Police Station for further investigation.

Police officials are examining the drone's memory to determine the images and videos recorded during the flight. Investigators are also verifying whether the drone was operated with the necessary permissions and whether any security protocols were violated.

The incident has sparked fresh concerns about the effectiveness of security arrangements at the Jagannath Temple, particularly with thousands of devotees expected to gather for the upcoming Rath Yatra. Questions have been raised about how the drone was able to operate within the highly restricted airspace despite heightened security measures.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda