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The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Security forces seize over two tonne of explosives stolen by Maoists in Odisha
Security forces have traced over 2.5 tonne of explosives stolen by Maoists from a quarry in Sundargarh district of Odisha on May 27. The explosives, along with Maoist uniforms and other materials, were seized during a combing operation on the Gandhamardhan Hill range on the Balangir-Bargarh district boundary. The search was conducted jointly by the Special Operation Group (a security force raised to combat Left-wing extremists in Odisha), the CRPF, the Jharkhand Jaguars, and the District Voluntary Force. The Sundargarh district police, which announced the seizure of 2.5 tonne of explosives on Monday, did not confirm if the entire stock of stolen explosives have been found. On May 27, a van brought 200 packets of explosives to the Banko Stone Quarry in Sundargarh district. While the explosives were being unloaded, a group of armed men reached there, threatened the driver, took the van into a nearby forest and made away with all the explosives, say the Odisha police. 'Soon after the incident, a preliminary enquiry suggested the involvement of naxals active in the Saranda forest under West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand,' said the police. Fearing that the stolen explosives could be used for subversive activities, Director-General of Police Y.B. Khurania rushed to Sundargarh district to assess the situation. A team from the National Investigation Agency also looked into the incident. Subsequently, a combing operation was launched.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Odisha police deploy trained commandos at Puri Jagannath Temple ahead of Rath Yatra
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.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Odisha on high alert as India-Pakistan tensions escalate; security measures heightened
Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania BHUBANESWAR: Amid escalated confrontations between India and Pakistan, Odisha DGP Y B Khurania on Friday said the state is on high alert mode, though no specific threats have been identified. 'Even though we have not received any specific threat alerts for Odisha, we increased our vigilance as a precautionary measure,' Khurania told TOI. Security sources indicate that police personnel were deployed at key installations, including the Puri Jagannath temple, defence establishments, and other potentially sensitive locations across the state. The coastal areas of Odisha, which span over 480 kilometres, are under particularly careful surveillance, according to DGP Khurania. District superintendents were directed to increase patrolling in major cities and sensitive areas. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: India deploys warships forward as situation at LoC explodes Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, Ambala residents advised to stay indoors L-70 guns, Schilka, S-400: Weapons India used to intercept Pak drones Security forces are implementing thorough inspections at railway stations, bus terminals, shopping centres, and religious venues. Crowded markets and tourist spots are receiving particular attention. Puri SP, Vinit Agrawal, confirmed heightened alertness amongst security personnel at the Jagannath temple. 'We briefed our personnel to remain extremely alert. Entry point checks are being conducted thoroughly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo Staff received instructions to prevent drone flights over the temple,' Agrawal said. Police authorities assessed security protocols at defence establishments, including the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Military Engineering Service (MES) in Balasore district, and the missile launching complex at Wheeler Island near Bhadrak district coast. Local police stations were instructed to maintain heightened awareness and increase patrolling in their respective jurisdictions. Intelligence units also intensified their information-gathering operations to monitor any suspicious activities. The state police headquarters established a special control room to coordinate security operations and respond swiftly to any emerging situations, sources said. Additional forces are being kept on standby for rapid deployment if needed. 'We urge the public to remain calm while staying vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement authorities. We also activated our community outreach programmes to ensure better coordination with local residents in maintaining security,' another police official said.
