Cops launch statewide drive to prevent crimes during Rath Yatra in Puri

Time of India

6 hours ago

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha police on Monday launched a statewide crackdown against criminals to ensure the Rath Yatra in Puri on June 27 passes off peacefully.
The operation, while primarily focused on Puri, would extend across the state to foil potential plans of outside criminals during the festival that will draw lakhs of tourists, including VIPs from the country and abroad.
"We directed DCPs of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and SPs of all districts to launch the special anti-criminal drive from Sunday evening. They have been instructed to remain particularly vigilant about criminals from outside Puri and Odisha who might attempt to target the massive gathering," DGP Y B Khurania told TOI.
The DGP said the coordinated statewide crackdown aims to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all visitors during Rath Yatra.
"Safety and security of pilgrims is our utmost responsibility. State police headquarters will monitor the implementation of the enforcement drive, whose main objective is to help maintain peace, and law and order across the state in general and Puri in particular during the festival," Khurania said.
The security measures include intensified patrolling, verification drives in hotels, and monitoring of known criminal hideouts.
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Special attention is being paid to areas surrounding the Jagannath Temple and Grand Road, where the main festival activities will take place.
Police officers said the operation involves multiple police units, including special task forces and intelligence teams. Police are also implementing advanced surveillance systems and deploying additional personnel to manage the arrival of domestic and international visitors.
Police sources said the special drive's focus is to prevent property offences like theft, burglary, robbery and snatching. All police stations have been asked to execute pending non-bailable warrants (NBWs) and arrest offenders on the run in several cases. Besides, police officers have been asked to secure bond of good conduct from habitual offenders, who would pledge not to indulge in any criminal activities during the festival.
The DGP highlighted that AI-enabled CCTV systems being installed throughout Puri would assist in crime prevention. While AI cameras were used during last year's Rath Yatra, this year's deployment is more extensive. "We are in the process of installing 300 advanced cameras equipped with AI technology for security, crowd control and traffic management," Khurania said.
SP (Puri) Vinit Agrawal said, "Given the possible participation of VIPs, including Union ministers and chief ministers of several NDA-ruled states, we are leaving no stone unturned in our security arrangements."