Odisha police deploy trained commandos at Puri Jagannath Temple ahead of Rath Yatra

Police stand guard at the Jagannath Temple, amid tight security in the wake of the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan, in Puri, Odisha
| Photo Credit: PTI

Odisha Police on Monday (May 12, 2025) deployed a special vehicle equipped with trained commandos around the 12th-century Puri Jagannath Temple to respond swiftly to any contingencies arising from potential sabotage threats ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, scheduled for June 27, 2025.

Amid past India-Pakistan tensions, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was identified by Odisha Police as a potential target, as intelligence suggested the possibility of drones and projectiles being launched from the western front to hit civilian and religious structures.

In preparation for this year’s Rath Yatra, Director General of Police Y. B. Khurania, along with senior officers, conducted a comprehensive security review. “The preparations are in the final stage. Our priority is crowd control, and ensuring the safety and security of devotees as well as the temple infrastructure,” said Mr. Khurania.

He added that detailed discussions were held on traffic regulation and the security arrangements inside and outside the Jagannath Temple. “We have also considered all possible contingencies during the review,” he said.

To bolster readiness, the Odisha Police have deployed a Rakshak vehicle near the temple, which will be manned by trained commandos. “The vehicle and personnel will be available to the Puri district police and are prepared to tackle any sabotage-related contingencies,” the DGP stated.

Puri Rath Yatra is one of the largest religious congregations in the country. Over a million devotees congregate in Puri over nine days of Rath Yatra. Though security preparation for annual Rath Yatra has been standardized to a certain degree, Odisha police are taking extra precautions in view of this year’s tensions between two neighbours.