Another Spy Camera Seized at Puri Srimandir

Puri: In a shocking repeat of recent security breaches, another individual was detained on Tuesday for attempting to enter the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri with hidden spy camera glasses. This marks the third such incident in just one week, raising serious concerns over the efficacy of surveillance mechanisms at one of India’s holiest shrines.

The accused has been identified as Pratish Pal, a resident of Paschim Bardhaman district in West Bengal. He was intercepted by security personnel at the Paschima Dwara (West Gate) of the 12th-century temple. On inspection, officials discovered a concealed camera embedded in his spectacles. His mobile phone and the gadget were immediately seized, and he was detained for questioning.

This incident comes barely a day after Bipul Patel, a native of Gujarat, was similarly apprehended while roaming near the Kirtana Chakada area of the temple complex. He too was found with spy camera-enabled glasses and was taken into custody by temple security.

Adding to the concern, a third incident was reported last week, when a local devotee, Abhijit Kar, was caught using spy camera glasses to capture visuals of the temple interiors and deities. Upon interrogation, Kar confessed to the act. Though he was later released, police deleted the images from his mobile phone and took a written undertaking from him.

These back-to-back violations have sparked widespread outrage among devotees and highlighted serious loopholes in Srimandir’s security protocols. Despite strict rules and visible signage prohibiting photography and mobile phone use within the temple, such repeated breaches expose the growing misuse of advanced surveillance gadgets inside sacred spaces.

Local authorities are now under mounting pressure to enhance vigilance and ensure stricter enforcement of security norms to protect the sanctity and safety of the iconic temple.