Bhubaneswar: Security at the Shree Jagannath Temple has been further strengthened with police personnel deployed at the four main gates now equipped with body cameras. The measure, introduced in response to a series of recent security breaches, is aimed at ensuring tighter surveillance and safeguarding the sanctity of the 12th-century shrine.
According to officials, each gate has been assigned two cameras attached to the chests of police officers. These devices, equipped with high-resolution video, audio, and ample storage capacity, will record the movement and conversations of devotees entering the temple premises. The recorded data will remain stored and can be retrieved by the police for review or as evidence during investigations.
“The security of Srimandir is our top priority. Police personnel at the four entry points have been provided with body cameras to ensure round-the-clock vigilance. These recordings will serve as crucial evidence in case of any untoward incident,” said Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Prateek Singh.
The cameras are expected to play a key role in identifying and taking action against non-servitors who attempt to pose as sevayats (servitors) to gain unauthorized entry. They will also help prevent devotees from bringing in prohibited items and restrict individuals from slipping into passageways not meant for public access.
The move comes against the backdrop of multiple lapses in recent months. Despite heightened security after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, several cases of unauthorized entry were reported. In one incident, devotees attempted to enter the shrine with hidden spy cameras and mobile phones. In July, unidentified persons scaled the Meghanada Prachira, the temple’s outer wall, and gained access, raising concerns over loopholes in the existing arrangements.
Officials believe the body cameras will not only deter suspicious activity but also promote accountability among law enforcement officers. “The presence of these cameras will significantly enhance monitoring, improve transparency, and strengthen overall safety measures within the temple complex,” Singh added.
With the introduction of body cameras, temple authorities hope to set a stronger precedent in safeguarding one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage sites while ensuring devotees a more secure environment for darshan.
