Puri, Oct 13 (UDN): Security concerns have resurfaced at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri after a drone was reportedly spotted flying over the shrine early Tuesday morning, despite restrictions prohibiting drone operations in the area.
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According to reports, the drone was seen hovering above the temple at around 5 am. It is suspected that footage of the shrine may have been recorded, although this has not been officially confirmed.
The identity of the drone operator and the location from which the device was controlled remain unknown. Police have initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Repeated Drone Sightings Raise Alarm
The latest sighting has renewed questions about the enforcement of security restrictions around the centuries-old temple, which attracts large numbers of devotees throughout the year.
Similar drone sightings have reportedly occurred over the Srimandir in the past, despite the area being designated a no-drone zone. The repeated incidents have heightened concerns about the effectiveness of existing surveillance and enforcement measures.
The unauthorised use of drones over a major religious site has also raised questions about potential risks to the temple’s security and the privacy of devotees.
Devotees Seek Stronger Anti-Drone Measures
The incident has drawn displeasure from devotees, who have called for stronger steps to prevent unauthorised aerial activity over the shrine.
Some have demanded the installation of dedicated anti-drone technology to detect, track and prevent drones from entering restricted airspace around the temple.
They have urged the authorities to strengthen monitoring and ensure that existing restrictions are enforced effectively to prevent similar incidents.
Operator Yet to Be Identified
Police are investigating the latest sighting, but details about the operator, the drone’s purpose and whether any footage was recorded remain unclear.
Further information from the authorities is awaited regarding the findings of the investigation and any additional security measures that may be introduced.
The incident has once again brought the protection of Puri Srimandir into focus, with devotees calling for more effective safeguards around one of Odisha’s most important religious landmarks.
