Puri, Jan 21: Following a bomb threat directed at the renowned Jagannath Temple in Puri, local authorities have heightened security and launched an investigation into the alarming social media post. The threat, made via a Facebook account under the name ‘Juli Rani Panda,’ claimed bombs would be thrown at the temple and Puri Grand Centre, and that a gunman would target Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia.
Puri Superintendent of Police (SP), Prateek Singh, confirmed that a special investigation team, led by the City Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has been formed to look into the matter. The URL link associated with the suspicious social media account is being thoroughly examined. “We expect to have clarity on the issue by this evening,” Singh assured the media.
To ensure safety, security around the Jagannath Temple has been significantly increased. The bomb squad is conducting a careful search of both the outer and inner areas of the temple complex. In addition, the Special Security Force and Special Commandos have been placed on high alert to secure the temple premises. Security measures have also been tightened at key locations across the city, and arrangements for the protection of MP Subhashish Khuntia have been enhanced following the gun threat.
The threatening post only came to light after it went viral, igniting widespread fear among residents and devotees of Lord Jagannath. Devotees, along with the servitors of the temple, have demanded that the police immediately trace the individual behind the posts and take immediate action to prevent any untoward incident.
