Massive Security Blanket in Puri as 10–12 Lakh Devotees Join Rath Yatra

By A Staff Reporter

Puri (Odisha) — A massive security operation is underway in Puri as an estimated 10 to 12 lakh devotees gather to witness Lord Jagannath’s annual Rath Yatra. In anticipation of the enormous crowd and in light of potential security threats, the entire city has been transformed into a fortified zone, according to Sanjay Kumar, Additional Director General (Law & Order), Odisha.

“We estimate that 10 to 12 lakh people will gather here today,” ADG Kumar said. “For their safety, comprehensive crowd management and VIP security arrangements have been made. The city is under a full security cover.”

The heightened alert comes after intelligence inputs following ‘Operation Sindoor’ suggested possible attempts by anti-social and anti-national elements to disrupt the festival. In response, the Odisha Police has executed a multi-layered security strategy prepared over several days.

Over 200 platoons of Odisha Police have been deployed alongside 8 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including 3 from the Rapid Action Force (RAF). Senior officers are supervising operations on the ground.

High-tech surveillance has also been incorporated, with assistance from Government of India technical teams, including the National Security Guard (NSG), NSG snipers, Counter-Operations Support Group (COSG), anti-drone systems, and Coast Guard drones. Additionally, canine squads and Odisha's anti-sabotage units are actively assisting in maintaining security.