Puri, Jan 22: A drone was spotted flying over the Srimandir in Puri, triggering a swift police response. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, raised concerns about security around the temple, a site that falls under a no-fly zone.

Being informed, Prateek Singh, the Superintendent of Police in Puri, immediately directed the Singhadwar police station to take action. A special police team was promptly formed to trace and seize the drone, which was found at Jahnimundia Chhak. The authorities arrested 25-year-old Madhusudan Sadangi, a resident of Kazidih, Cuttack, who confessed to flying the drone while attending a wedding in Puri.

The Shree Jagannath Temple is a high-security zone, with drone operations explicitly prohibited. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated the temple and its surrounding areas as a no-fly zone on its official map, making such violations illegal.

In the past, drones have been spotted hovering over the temple, sometimes used to record videos unlawfully. Police officials noted that the lack of anti-drone technology has made it challenging to prevent such breaches of security.

Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh has issued a stern appeal to both individuals and organisations, urging them to refrain from flying drones in the temple vicinity. He also highlighted the need for advanced technical measures and equipment to ensure the security of the Srimandir, with the state government being informed of the requirements for enhanced security measures.