Puri, May 13: Security arrangements at the Shree Jagannath Temple are being strengthened with the arrival of bag scanners at all four entrance gates of the shrine. Though the scanners have reached the temple premises, police officials are yet to announce when they will be made operational.

Considering the daily influx of lakhs of devotees to the temple, concerns over possible terror threats and untoward incidents have prompted authorities to tighten security measures. In the past, several incidents linked to security lapses at the temple had drawn criticism towards both the police and the administration.

As part of the enhanced security arrangements, the metal detectors installed at the four gates, which had remained non-functional for a long period, have now been reactivated. A special police security vehicle has also been deployed near the Singhadwar Police Station.

Sources said dedicated scanners for checking devotees’ bags have already arrived, while personnel of the temple security battalion are currently undergoing training to operate the machines. The scanners are likely to be put into use once the training process is completed.