- The Singhadwar police in Odisha’s Puri district took nine individuals from Bangladesh into custody when they attempted to enter the sacred Jagannath temple.
- Reports indicate that all nine were residing in a hotel within Puri Town.
- Among the detainees, four allegedly breached the sanctum of the 12th-century shrine, while the remaining five were intercepted outside the premises, as per sources.
- Upon confiscating their passports, they were escorted to the Singhadwar police station for further questioning.
- An activist affiliated with Vishva Hindu Parishad-Bajrang Dal in Puri, expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the necessity for heightened security measures at the shrine.
- An official from the Singhadwar police confirmed the detainment of the individuals and assured the initiation of a thorough investigation.
- The incident underscores the significance of safeguarding religious sanctuaries and maintaining adherence to established protocols regarding entry.
The Singhadwar police in Puri took nine individuals from Bangladesh into custody when they attempted to enter the sacred Jagannath temple on Sunday. Reports indicate that all nine were residing in a hotel within Puri Town.
Among the detainees, four allegedly breached the sanctum of the 12th-century shrine, while the remaining five were intercepted outside the premises, as per sources. Subsequently, the police initiated an investigation into the matter, conducting searches in their hotel accommodations.
The individuals, all residents of Bangladesh, were swiftly apprehended upon identification. Upon confiscating their passports, they were escorted to the Singhadwar police station for further questioning.
Additionally, thorough searches were conducted in the hotel rooms of the accused. Notably, entry to the Jagannath temple is restricted to adherents of Hinduism.
Shantanu Pandey, an activist affiliated with Vishva Hindu Parishad-Bajrang Dal in Puri, expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the necessity for heightened security measures at the shrine. Pandey informed authorities about the presence of non-Hindus near the temple premises, prompting swift action from the Singhadwar police.
An official from the Singhadwar police confirmed the detainment of the individuals and assured the initiation of a thorough investigation. Allegations of non-Hindus accessing the Jagannath temple were being probed, with the verification of passports and other relevant documents underway.
The incident underscores the significance of safeguarding religious sanctuaries and maintaining adherence to established protocols regarding entry. Authorities remain vigilant in upholding the sanctity of the Jagannath temple, a revered site of worship for millions of devotees while ensuring the enforcement of regulations to preserve its spiritual integrity.
(With inputs from agencies)
