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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Surveillance, security the buzzwords as all roads lead to Puri
1 2 Puri: Hours before the annual Rath Yatra of Jagannath Temple, the city has been placed under a thick security blanket. The heightened security follows recent Indo-Pak tensions in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam. At least 203 platoons of police force will be strategically positioned throughout the city to ensure a smooth and incident-free Rath Yatra. "We have significantly upgraded our surveillance capabilities with the installation of AI-enabled CCTV cameras at crucial locations. These advanced systems can detect suspicious activities and monitor crowd density in real-time," Puri superintendent of police Vinit Agrawal told TOI. Police have decided to use drone surveillance to keep an eye on traffic flow, crowd management on the Grand Road, and enhance beach security. They have identified and prepared 21 parking lots across the city. To prevent traffic congestion, holding areas have been set up at five locations outside Puri where incoming vehicles can be temporarily stationed before the traffic situation is brought under control inside the city. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5-year-old girl needs her second heart surgery! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Given chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi's emphasis on an incident-free festival, the Puri SP said a multi-layered security approach has been implemented. As part of the plan, specialised anti-terrorist squads, National Security Guard (NSG) personnel, and dedicated anti-sabotage teams have been deployed. "Our arrangements are meticulously planned with a strong focus on welfare of devotees, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and differently-abled," Agrawal said. Talking about beach security, Agrawal said regular police patrols have been intensified, particularly during evening and night hours. "We have significantly increased the number of trained lifeguards to prevent any drowning incidents. We are actively discouraging tourists from entering the sea during potentially dangerous conditions," Agrawal said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Cops carry out chariot pulling rehearsal in Puri
1 2 Bhubaneswar: With Rath Yatra just one day away, Odisha police on Wednesday carried out a rehearsal in Puri to train personnel in chariot pulling procedures. Adequate security arrangements have been made for smooth conduct of Nabajouban Darshan ceremony on Thursday. The practice session involved three jeeps serving as substitute chariots, which police personnel pulled. Officers received detailed instructions about their specific duties for ensuring a smooth chariot pulling ceremony. From the total 205 police platoons assigned for the Rath Yatra, 72 platoons will specifically oversee chariot pulling. "Our priorities include maintaining clear pathways for chariots and establishing security cordons to regulate devotee movement near the chariots," said SP (Puri) Vinit Agrawal. Officers received strict instructions to maintain vigilance to prevent accidents. On a few previous celebrations, police officers, servitors and devotees who fell while pulling the chariots have been injured. "Foolproof crowd control and stampede prevention measures have been taken to ensure that the chariots are pulled without any untoward incidents," said Agrawal. After remaining out of bounds for devotees for a fortnight, sibling gods Jagannath, Balabhadra and goddess Subhadra are all set to grant darshan to countless devotees on the occasion of Nabajouban Darshan on Thursday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Nabajouban Darshan is an essential ceremony preceding Rath Yatra. The Nabajouban Darshan holds particular importance as the deities have recovered from their symbolic ailment after their ceremonial bath during Debasnan Purnima on June 11. Following tradition, the deities will present themselves to visitors in their renewed form inside the sanctum sanctorum on Thursday and on chariots on Friday. Temple authorities said herbal paint was applied on the faces of the deities. "Similar to humans preparing for significant occasions, the deities receive special preparation before Rath Yatra. The makeup is essential as the sibling deities' faces became pale during their 15-day treatment," explained Sanjay Kumar Duttamohapatra, a servitor. Anticipating large crowds, police have put in place necessary arrangements. "We will organise devotees in queues for temple entry. Our officers will provide all required support to visitors," said the SP.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Time of India
Cops step up patrolling on beaches in Puri district
1 2 Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the gang rape of a 20-year-old woman at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam on Sunday, Puri police have stepped up patrolling across beaches in the district. "The beach stretches in Puri town, Chandrabhaga-Konark and Astaranga have been put under enhanced surveillance," said SP (Puri) Vinit Agrawal. The heightened security measures have coincided with the upcoming Rath Yatra, which is expected to attract lakhs of visitors to Puri. "We have increased our presence by deploying additional patrol personnel on beaches throughout the district. Working with Puri Municipality, we have enhanced illumination," Agrawal told TOI. He said that police stations have been instructed to increase foot patrolling in secluded areas during evening hours. Police have taken the assistance of lifeguards and local communities to prevent beach-related crimes. "Beach crime is not alarming. Stray incidents of theft and snatching are reported. We arrested some thieves recently," said an officer of Sea Beach police station. "Areas near Shri Jagannath Sanskrit University, Sterling and Puri-Konark marine drive remain isolated, creating safety issues that require night-time foot patrolling. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urologists: What 90% Of Men With ED Don't Know (Start Doing This) Health Paradise Learn More Undo Previous incidents include tourist-targeted harassment, snatching and theft," said Srimanta Kumar Dash, president of India-Japan Friendship Centre, an organisation promoting Puri tourism. Debasis Kumar, vice-president of Hotel Association of Puri, advised tourists against visiting isolated beaches after sunset. "Puri beach is completely safe. It is always better to stroll and sit on beaches with people around," Kumar said, adding, "The Blue Flag beach is the most sought after due to various safety features." Visitors have requested CCTV installation along the beach. "We do not find any surveillance cameras on the beach. Cameras these days are considered as security multiplier," said Krishna Banerjee, a tourist from Howrah. Official sources said that in 2012, the district administration installed beach CCTV cameras. The devices were later removed following opposition from certain local groups concerned about privacy of bathers. Previous attacks on foreign visitors in isolated beach areas in Puri have been reported. A Russian couple was assaulted on the beach near Chakratirtha Road on Dec 23, 2011, while a Czech tourist was attacked while walking with his wife and friend on May 17, 2010. On Jan 18, 2010, a 28-year-old Russian woman sustained injuries in a knife attack at a deserted section on Baliapanda beach.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Puri cops conduct anti-terror drills ahead of Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar: Two weeks ahead of Rath Yatra, which will draw lakhs of pilgrims, Puri police carried out mock drills on Friday at multiple locations to enhance preparedness against potential terrorist threats. Given the recent Indo-Pak tensions and the govt's invitation to VVIPs, including the President, Prime Minister, Union ministers and chief ministers from NDA-ruled states to Rath Yatra, this year's festival will witness heightened security measures. "With lakhs of devotees expected to attend this year's Rath Yatra, ensuring foolproof security is our top priority. The simulation exercises help us identify gaps in our response mechanism and improve coordination among different security agencies," Vinit Agrawal, SP of Puri, said. The counter-terrorism mock drills were conducted at the Puri railway station and near the Jagannath Temple to evaluate how effectively rescue agencies can respond during emergencies. Police officers said the aim is to achieve smooth coordination between various response agencies to eliminate any possibility of uncertainty and chaos during actual emergencies. "Police, fire service, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, National Disaster Response Force, healthcare professionals, and anti-terrorist squad (ATS) of the special tactical group took part in the mock drills," Agrawal said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo The simulation exercises were conducted three days after Odisha police deployed a dedicated anti-terrorist squad near the shrine for smooth conduct of Rath Yatra. The ATS consists of urban warfare-trained commandos from Odisha police's special tactical group. Police recently positioned Rakshak, an armoured vehicle with bullet-proof capabilities, outside the Jagannath Temple. The vehicle is designed to resist intense artillery fire and explosive devices. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Anti-terrorist squad deployed in Puri ahead of Rath
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police, for the first time, deployed an anti-terrorist squad (ATS) in Puri ahead of the June 27 Rath Yatra with the govt anticipating over 10 lakh people, including potential VVIP guests such as Union ministers and chief ministers from NDA-governed states, likely to attend the event. Deployment of ATS is significant given the current Indo-Pak relations and the govt sending out invitations to the president, prime minister and various state chief ministers for the annual celebration. The ATS, consisting of urban warfare-trained commandos from Odisha Police's special tactical group, took positions outside Jagannath Temple on Tuesday, a day before Wednesday's Debasnan Purnima ceremony, an essential pre-Rath Yatra festival. Odisha Police recently positioned Rakshak, an armoured vehicle with bullet-proof capabilities, outside the temple. This vehicle is designed to resist intense artillery fire and explosive devices. "The ATS deployment has enhanced our counter-terrorism capabilities at this strategic installation. Their presence will supplement our overall security arrangements for Debasnan Purnima on Wednesday and Rath Yatra on June 27. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Safety of the temple and devotees is our priority," Puri SP Vinit Agrawal said. IGP (central range) S Praveen Kumar and Agrawal inspected security arrangements for Debasnan Purnima. On the occasion of Debasnan Purnima, the sibling deities — Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra — would be given a ceremonial bath on Snan Mandap (bathing dais) on the shrine premises and would appear in Hati Besha in the evening. The temple administration has urged servitors not to stand in front of the idols. Devotees have been asked not to touch the deities during darshan. "We expect heavy footfall of devotees like last year. Convenience of devotees and smooth darshan is our priority. Nearly 70 platoons of police force have been deployed for security, crowd management and traffic regulation," Kumar said. Anticipating over 10 lakh devotees on Rath Yatra, Odisha Police have also emphasised on comprehensive CCTV monitoring. "Live surveillance using AI-enabled cameras and crowd control would be essential for public safety. We are also laying focus on gathering intelligence and securing the Puri coastline against possible threats," a senior police officer said.
