Bhubaneswar, June 29: Police have registered a case against a 35-year-old man for allegedly operating a drone over the historic Lingaraj Temple without obtaining the mandatory permission from the authorities.

According to police officials, action was initiated after information was received about an unauthorized drone flying over the protected temple complex. Based on the complaint, a case was registered at Lingaraj Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

During the investigation, police seized the drone allegedly used in the incident along with the motorcycle on which the accused had arrived. A legal notice has also been served to the individual, directing him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

The Lingaraj Temple, one of Odisha's most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a protected monument under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Authorities have reiterated that flying drones over or near protected monuments without prior approval is strictly prohibited due to security concerns and heritage conservation regulations.

Police are examining the purpose behind the drone operation and whether any footage was recorded during the flight. Officials said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has once again highlighted the need for strict compliance with drone operation guidelines, particularly around heritage sites and protected monuments where unauthorized aerial activity is prohibited.

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