Puri, Jul 9: Security arrangements at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri have once again come under scrutiny after a drone was spotted flying over the shrine on Thursday morning, just ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.

According to police, the drone was seen hovering over the temple premises at around 5:30 am. The incident was immediately reported to Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, who directed the formation of a special police team and instructed the Singhadwara Police Station to take swift action.

Acting promptly, the police tracked the drone and successfully seized it from the Matimandap Sahi area. The operator of the drone was also apprehended on the spot.

The detained individual has been identified as Jayakrishna Mandal, a resident of Kolkata. He is currently being held at the Singhadwara Police Station, where investigators are questioning him to ascertain the purpose behind operating the drone in the prohibited zone.

Police said that a detailed investigation is underway to examine all aspects of the incident, and appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the law. Officials also reiterated that flying drones over or around the Shree Jagannath Temple is a punishable offence due to the high-security status of the shrine.

The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over security at the 12th-century temple, especially with thousands of devotees expected to arrive in Puri for the upcoming Rath Yatra festival.