Security Breach At Puri Jagannath! Intruders Scale Sacred Walls
Puri Jagannath Temple Security Scandal: Intruders Scale Sacred Walls During Rath Yatra 2025
The revered Shree Jagannath Temple, a 12th-century spiritual cornerstone, is reeling from a shocking security breach during the 2025 Rath Yatra, as intruders scaled the Meghanada Pacheri—its sacred outer boundary wall—raising urgent questions about the safety of one of India’s holiest shrines.
A viral video exposing four youths climbing the southern gate wall has sparked outrage among devotees and servitors, with some locals claiming multiple unauthorized entries occurred during the festival, which drew over 15 lakh pilgrims.
Senior servitor Ganeswar Mahasuar minced no words, calling the breach a “grave concern” that could foreshadow major threats during high-footfall events. “How can such a sensitive area be so vulnerable?” he demanded, slamming the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and district authorities for their lapses.
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Mahasuar urged the Odisha government to hold an immediate high-level security review, warning, “We cannot wait for a tragedy to act.”
The incident, amplified by visuals aired by OTV, revealed intruders exploiting a garbage mound near the wall, despite heavy security for the Rath Yatra and Niladri Bije rituals. This breach is particularly alarming given prior intelligence warnings of potential terrorist threats to the temple, a national heritage site.
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik echoed the shock, questioning how such a lapse went unnoticed amid thousands of security personnel.
In response, the SJTA formed an inquiry committee on July 9, led by the Development Administrator, including the OSD Security, Sanitation Officer, and Civil Engineer. Puri Collector Chanchal Rana called the act “deeply objectionable,” promising strict action after CCTV verification. As devotees demand accountability, the call grows louder for a fortified security overhaul to protect the Lord Jagannath’s sacred abode.
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