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News18
3 days ago
- News18
'Terrorists Will...' Threat Graffiti On Puri Jagannath Temple Walls Sparks Panic In Odisha
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. view comments First Published: August 13, 2025, 13:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
3 days ago
- News18
Terror Graffiti Warning To 'Destroy Jagannath Temple' Found Near Puri's Shrine; One Held
Last Updated: The incident has once again raised concerns over Srimandir's security, with the Union Home Ministry and NSG earlier recommending tighter safety measures. Police in Odisha's Puri have intensified security and launched a probe after graffiti threatening a terrorist attack on the Jagannath Temple (Srimandir) was found on Wednesday morning. The messages, written in Odia, appeared on the walls of the Budhi Maa Thakurani temple near the Balisahi entrance of the Parikrama Marg, a high-security zone around the Srimandir. The graffiti, spotted at two locations, mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and carried statements such as 'Terrorists will destroy the temple," along with phone numbers and call instructions. Locals also reported damage to decorative lighting in the area. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinaki Mishra said, 'This morning we got information from social media and other sources that something has been scribbled, and after investigating we found something written wrong, which threatened the Temple. Our special team is investigating the matter, and we have taken it seriously. We are reviewing the CCTV footage. The police team has got some clues." One person, identified as Raghunath Sahoo, has been detained, with Puri SP saying that the man appeared to be mentally unwell. 'From the preliminary inquiry, we got to know that he is a mentally ill person. He confessed to the police that he wrote it. So, questions are being asked about when and why he wrote it. Questions will be asked again after the medical examination. He had behaved like this in the past due to family issues," the SP added. The incident has once again raised concerns over Srimandir's security, with the Union Home Ministry and NSG earlier recommending tighter safety measures. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from functioning cameras and increasing vigilance to safeguard the 12th-century temple, which draws pilgrims from across the globe throughout the year, especially during festivals like Devasnana Purnima and Ratha Yatra. view comments First Published: August 13, 2025, 15:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
After Terror Threat Graffiti At Jagannath Temple In Puri, Cops Arrest 'Mentally Unstable' Accused
Authorities in Odisha's Puri have launched an intensive investigation after a graffiti warning of a possible terrorist attack on the Jagannath Temple (Srimandir) was discovered on Wednesday morning. The police has detained one person in the case, who is said to be "mentally unstable." The disturbing messages, written in Odia language, were found on the walls of the Budhi Maa Thakurani temple, located near the Balisahi entrance of the Parikrama Marg, a high-security zone surrounding the Srimandir. The graffiti, spotted in two places, mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and contained messages like "Terrorists will destroy the temple," along with phone numbers and instructions to call. Locals also reported damage to decorative lights in the area. Following the incident, Puri SP Pinaki Mishra told reporters, "This morning we got information from social media and other sources that something has been scribbled, and after investigating we found something written wrong, which threatened the Temple. Our special team is investigating the matter, and we have taken it seriously. We are reviewing the CCTV footage. The police team has got some clues." He further said, "Our officers and special police team has detained a person. His name is Raghunath Sahoo. From the preliminary inquiry, we got to know that he is a mentally ill person. He confessed to the police that he wrote it .So, questions are being asked about when and why he wrote it. Questions will be asked again after the medical examination. He had behaved like this in the past due to family issues." Security at the Jagannath Temple has come under scrutiny in the past, with the Union Home Ministry and NSG repeatedly recommending tighter measures. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage from operational cameras and stepping up vigilance to protect one of India's most revered shrines. The temple was built in the 12th Century AD and sees pilgrims flocking the temple town of Puri from all corners of the world throughout the year. Festivals like Devasnana Purnima and Ratha Yatra are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour.
