Bhubaneswar, July 9: Security at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri came under renewed scrutiny on Thursday after a drone was spotted flying over the temple premises for a considerable period, just days ahead of the annual Rath Yatra festival.

According to reports, the drone was seen hovering above the temple complex at around 5:30 am, triggering an immediate security alert. On receiving the information, Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh constituted a special team and instructed personnel from Singhadwar Police Station to trace the device and identify its operator.

Acting swiftly, the police team tracked the drone to Matimandap Sahi and seized it. The person allegedly operating the drone was also detained. Police identified him as Jayakrushna Mondal, a resident of Kolkata, who is currently being questioned at Singhadwar Police Station.

Officials said a detailed investigation has been launched to determine the purpose of the drone flight and whether any security protocols or legal provisions were violated. Appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over security at one of India's most revered and heavily protected religious sites, particularly with the Rath Yatra drawing thousands of devotees to Puri. It is also the second reported incident of a drone being spotted over the temple in recent times, prompting questions about surveillance and enforcement measures.

Police are examining all possible angles, including the operator's intent and whether the drone activity posed any threat to the security of the temple and the upcoming festival.

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