Puri: To ensure a smooth conduct of upcoming annual Rath Jatra of Lord Jagannath and his sibling Deities, Director General of Police YB Khunaria today reviewed security arrangements here and rolled out a riot-control vehicle ‘Vajra’ for the protection of the Srimandir.
He inspected the Vajra vehicle near the temple here before the vehicle was deployed for the protection of the 12th-century shrine.
The DGP held a meeting with senior police officers of Puri district and issued required instructions needed for the security of the Rath Jatra to be held on June 27.
That apart, DGP Shri Khurania led a comprehensive security review, examining CCTV surveillance, rapid response teams, and coordination with local district authorities, emphasising that security remains the top priority given the massive turnout of devotees expected for Rath Jatra.
“I reviewed security arrangements in Puri for the Rath Jatra. Senior officials from the police headquarters attended the meeting, and there was a detailed discussion on security. The police arrangement for the festival is almost in the final stage. Attention is given on the security inside the temple and outside of the shrine,” Shri Khurania told reporters.
He also said the police officials discussed crowd control, traffic management and other aspects.
During a visit to the shrine, the DGP assessed the readiness of police and security personnel stationed near the temple to prevent potential threats and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The DGP also reviewed the measures taken in four marine police stations located in Puri district, deployment of lifeguards on the beach, and the outreach programme for the fishing community, officials said.
Taking to X, the Odisha Police said, “DGP Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania held detailed discussions with senior officers regarding the smooth management of the upcoming Sannan Jatra and the world-famous Rath Jatra in Puri, crowd control, smooth management of traffic system, movement of dignitaries and orderly darshan and safe chariot pulling, etc.”
The DGP oversaw the crowd control measures, traffic management, vehicle parking, and actions to be taken in an emergency during the car festival.
The DGP has asked the authorities concerned not to lower the existing guards and maintain security protocols even though India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea.
Heavy deployment of security personnel in and around the Puri temple has been noticed since the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor to retaliate to the Pahalgam terror attack.
At least eight platoons (1 platoon comprises 30 personnel) of personnel were deployed in and around the temple, the officials said.
Few days ago, a team of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos conducted a routine security review.