Drone Footage of Puri Jagannath Temple Goes Viral Again, Security Concerns Mount

Puri: Fresh controversy has erupted after drone footage allegedly capturing visuals inside the Shree Jagannath Temple went viral again, raising serious questions about security enforcement around the shrine.

Despite repeated assurances from Puri Police about deploying anti‑drone systems, incidents of illegal drone flights continue unabated.

Government records reveal at least 10 violations in the past 19 months, with drones spotted flying above or near the temple premises.

Odisha’s Law Minister informed the Assembly that 10 cases have been registered since June 2025, two of which have been completed, while eight remain under investigation.

Authorities have reiterated that flying drones near the temple is strictly prohibited and constitutes a punishable offence.

Police and temple officials are currently verifying the authenticity of the latest viral footage and working to identify those responsible.

Officials emphasised that advanced anti‑drone technology will be prioritised to safeguard the sanctity of the shrine.