Bomb Threat to Jagannath Temple Puts Puri on High Alert

Bhubaneswar: Puri Police have stepped up security and launched an intensive investigation following a bomb threat to the world-famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, reportedly issued through a social media post.

According to reports, the threat was made from a Facebook account named ‘Juli Rani Panda’, which claimed that bombs would be hurled at the Jagannath Temple and Puri Grand Centre, and also issued a firing threat against Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia.

Confirming the development, Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said a special investigation team, led by the City Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has been formed to probe the matter. “The URL link of the suspicious social media account is being examined. The entire matter will be clear by evening,” the SP told the media.

He further stated that security at the Jagannath Temple has been significantly tightened. “Both the inner and outer perimeters of the temple are being thoroughly checked by the bomb disposal squad. The Special Security Force (SSF) and Special Commandos have been placed on high alert to ensure the safety of the shrine,” Singh said.

In view of the firing threat, security arrangements for Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia have also been strengthened. Additionally, police have intensified vigilance at key locations across Puri city.

The threatening Facebook posts reportedly came to light after they went viral, triggering widespread concern and panic among local residents and devotees of Lord Jagannath. Servitors of the Jagannath Temple have demanded that police swiftly identify the person behind the posts and take stringent action.

Police said the situation is under control and urged the public not to panic as investigations continue.