Puri: In the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd, the security apparatus surrounding the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has been significantly strengthened. The State Government has announced the deployment of a dedicated security force, the Swatantra Shree Mandir Surakshay Bahini (SSMSB), which is slated to take charge of the temple’s safety on April 28th.
According to Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinit Agarwal, the enhanced security measures include the deputation of high-ranking police officials. An order issued by the Director General of Police (DGP) has directed the appointed officers to report for duty on April 28th. This deployment includes one commandant, two deputy commandants, and three assistant commandants, all of whom will serve in Puri for a period of three years.
Speaking to the media today, SP Shri Agarwal elaborated on the increased personnel being assigned to the temple. In addition to the command-level officers, eight inspectors, 31 sub-inspectors, and 24 assistant sub-inspectors will be posted to fortify security measures within and around the sacred shrine. Their responsibilities will encompass maintaining law and order and streamlining the queue system for the large number of devotees who visit the temple daily for darshan.
The newly formed Swatantra Shrimandir Suraksha Bahini will be a specialized unit solely responsible for the security and order of the Jagannath Temple. SP Shri Agarwal stated that experienced police officers from various battalions, including those with expertise in anti-terrorist operations, will be brought on deputation for a period of three years to form this dedicated force.
The responsibilities of the SSMSB will extend beyond the main temple complex. They will also be tasked with guarding the Parikrama corridor, as well as the Gundicha and Mausima temples, further enhancing the security of the entire temple precinct.
While the State government had initially planned to deploy 1,083 police personnel for the security of the Sri Jagannath Temple, SP Agarwal indicated that this number is likely to increase to 1,200. He further added that the recruitment process for personnel to join this special battalion has already commenced, signaling a long-term commitment to ensuring the safety and security of one of Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage sites. This move underscores the heightened vigilance and proactive measures being taken in the wake of recent security concerns across the nation.