Bhubaneswar, April 22: A 31-year-old man, recently released on bail in a bomb threat case linked to the Jagannath Temple, has been arrested again for allegedly issuing fresh threats targeting the upcoming Rath Yatra and the Govardhan Mutt.

The accused, identified as Pratik Mishra, is described by police as a habitual offender with a criminal history spanning over a decade, involving at least 16 cases related to cheating, extortion, forgery, cybercrime, and other serious offences.

Police said Mishra was earlier arrested on January 25 for allegedly posting bomb threats against the Jagannath Temple using a fake social media profile created in a woman’s identity. After securing bail on April 10, he allegedly resumed similar activities by forming WhatsApp groups under the same identity and issuing threats while demanding extortion money.

Following fresh complaints, multiple cases were registered against him at different police stations in Puri district. He allegedly demanded Rs 20 lakh from Govardhan Mutt and threatened explosions if the demand was not met, besides warning of blasts during Rath Yatra.

Police have launched a detailed investigation and are also examining his mental health condition.

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