Devotee from Uttar Pradesh Apprehended for Attempting to Scale Puri Jagannath Temple
PURI(OT Webdesk): In a third alarming breach within weeks, a devotee from Uttar Pradesh was intercepted while attempting to climb the sacred Jagannath Temple premises near the Nrusingha Mandir.
The incident has reignited concerns over the effectiveness of current security protocols at one of India’s most revered religious sites.
According to Puri SP Pinak Mishra, the man was stopped by temple security and servitors before reaching the main structure.
Preliminary interrogation suggests the act stemmed from emotional fervour, with no prior criminal record. He remains in custody for further questioning.
Authorities have responded swiftly, initiating a review of existing surveillance measures. Discussions are underway between the police, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and temple administration to prevent future breaches. Informational signage is set to be installed inside the temple to deter such behaviour.
Despite recent barricading of vulnerable access points like Ekadashi Ghara and Dakshini Ghara, the devotee managed to reach a restricted zone—highlighting surveillance gaps.
These areas have now been sealed, and additional personnel deployed for round-the-clock monitoring.
This incident follows two similar cases: one involving a devotee from Jharkhand who climbed above the southern gate, and another from Ganjam who scaled the temple’s outer enclosure. The repeated breaches have intensified calls for a comprehensive security overhaul to safeguard the sanctity of the temple.
