Puri Jagannath Temple Security Tightened After Terror Threat Graffiti, Suspect in Custody

Police discovered threatening graffiti early on Wednesday on the wall of Budhi Maa Thakurani temple, which lies close to the Balisahi entrance of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The message, written in Odia, warned that terrorists would destroy the temple. It also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and included phone numbers along with instructions to call them. The discovery quickly triggered a security scare in the area.

Authorities Launch Immediate Investigation

The Puri Police quickly formed a special investigation team to identify the person behind the graffiti. Officers began reviewing CCTV footage from nearby locations to trace movements around the site. They also questioned locals in the vicinity to gather more leads. The prompt response helped prevent panic among devotees and residents.

Police Detain Accused Man

Within hours, police detained a man named Raghunath Sahoo in connection with the incident. Officials stated that he appeared mentally unstable and confessed to writing the threatening message. They also started a medical evaluation to assess his mental condition. The investigation team continued to question him for details about his motives.

Security Measures Intensify Around Temple

Following the incident, authorities tightened security around the Jagannath Temple. Additional police teams patrolled the Heritage Corridor and other high-traffic zones. Surveillance cameras received constant monitoring, and security checkpoints inspected visitors more thoroughly. These measures aimed to ensure the safety of the temple and its thousands of daily devotees.

Local Concerns Over Temple Safety

Local residents and temple servitors expressed concern over repeated security-related incidents near the shrine. They urged authorities to maintain strict vigilance, especially during major festivals and peak tourist seasons. Community leaders also called for better lighting and more police presence in surrounding lanes to deter similar acts in the future.

Investigation Continues

Police stated that they would continue to examine the suspect’s background and connections. They also planned to verify whether the phone numbers mentioned in the graffiti had any link to potential threats. Authorities assured the public that they would keep security at its highest level until they closed the case.