'Terrorists Will...' Threat Graffiti On Puri Jagannath Temple Walls Sparks Panic In Odisha

News18

5 days ago

Puri Police have started an investigation, with Puri SP Pinak Mishra saying efforts have been initiated to identify the suspects by scanning CCTV footage
Panic gripped residents of the holy city of Puri following threat messages on the walls of the Jagannath temple, raising serious security concerns for the famous 12th century shrine. The graffiti was spotted on the walls of the temple's southern Parikrama Marg.
Warning messages were seen on the temple wall near the Balisahi entrance of the Parikrama Prakalpa (heritage corridor), a popular route taken by devotees. The threats were written at two locations on the wall of the Budhi Maa Thakurani temple. Much to the alarm of locals and temple authorities, the prominent wall writings included phrases like 'Terrorists will destroy the temple'. The messages also mentioned multiple phone numbers with instructions to 'call". The miscreants also vandalised decorative lights installed in the area.
The defacement of the temple wall occurred in a high-security zone which is constantly under the scrutiny of CCTVs and security personnel.
Puri Police have started an investigation, with Puri SP Pinak Mishra saying efforts have been initiated to identify the suspects by scanning CCTV footage and ascertain their motive behind such a brazen act.
'We are taking this matter very seriously as it concerns the security of the temple. Our team, which visited the spot, has gathered several important pieces of information. Only after apprehending the culprit will we be able to say for what purpose it was written," Mishra said.
Responding to concerns about surveillance, the SP explained that although CCTV coverage is part of the Parikrama Project, installation is still pending in certain sections. 'We're currently checking if cameras were in place at the exact location of the incident. We've gathered some leads and are actively pursuing them," he said.
The incident has not just spread fear among locals but also stressed the immediate need for stepping up surveillance measures at one of the most revered sites in the country.
This is not a singular episode of the temple's security coming under threat. In the recent past, there were multiple cases of devotees entering the Srimandir premises with hidden spy cameras. A few youths had also scaled the temple walls to enter the premises, questioning the efficacy of the shrine's security apparatus.
Built in the 12th century AD, the temple draws pilgrims to the sacred town of Puri year-round from across the globe. Festivals such as Devasnana Purnima and Ratha Yatra are marked by vibrant celebrations and deep religious devotion.
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First Published:
August 13, 2025, 13:32 IST
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