Odisha Police Confiscate 10 Drones Over Puri's Sacred Jagannath Temple
In a significant security development, Odisha police have seized a total of 10 drones that were being flown illegally over the revered Jagannath temple in Puri during the past 20 months. State law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan made this crucial revelation while addressing the state assembly on Saturday, highlighting ongoing concerns about temple security.
Multiple Cases Registered at Singhadwar Police Station
Responding to a detailed written query from BJD MLA Pratap Keshari Deb, Minister Harichandan disclosed that authorities have registered 10 separate cases at the Singhadwar police station since June 2024 alone. "While final investigation reports have been submitted in two of these cases, thorough investigations into the remaining eight incidents are actively progressing," the minister stated during his assembly response.
Strict No-Flying Zone Designated Until 2028
According to authoritative government sources, the Puri district administration has implemented a complete prohibition on all drone activity surrounding the sacred shrine, declaring such operations a punishable offense. Furthermore, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has officially designated the entire temple area as a "no-flying zone" until September 25, 2028. This comprehensive restriction applies to all drones and unmanned aerial vehicles within specified perimeter boundaries and altitude limits to prevent potential security breaches.
Widespread Mobile Phone Violations and Social Media Circulation
In a parallel revelation, Minister Harichandan confirmed that approximately 700 devotees have entered the temple premises carrying mobile phones since June 2024, directly violating the existing ban on electronic devices within the sacred complex. Police authorities have collected substantial penalties totaling Rs 6.93 lakh for these numerous infractions. During this identical timeframe, investigators detected eight separate cases involving devotees who illegally captured and subsequently circulated photographs or videos of the temple's inner sanctum across various social media platforms.
Proposed Legislative Amendments for Enhanced Security
In August 2025, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration submitted a comprehensive proposal to the state law department seeking significant amendments to the Shri Jagannath Temple Act of 1955. These proposed legislative changes aim to substantially strengthen temple security protocols and introduce considerably stricter penalties for violations. The amendments specifically target activities such as carrying mobile phones or electronic devices inside the temple premises and operating drones above the sacred structure.
Stringent Penalties Under Consideration
The suggested penalties include substantial imprisonment terms and significant financial fines designed to effectively deter prohibited activities. The proposed amendments seek to impose penalties of up to three years imprisonment or a fine of Rs 20,000, or both, for carrying phones and electronic devices inside the temple. Additionally, circulating videos or images of the temple's interior on social media platforms could result in seven years of imprisonment without bail eligibility and a substantial fine of Rs 50,000. Unauthorized drone usage over the temple would attract similarly severe penalties. "These comprehensive measures are strategically aimed at ensuring the absolute sanctity and enhanced security of the Jagannath temple, systematically addressing existing vulnerabilities and preventing future security breaches," explained a senior SJTA official.
