Puri, July 18: The three chariots carrying the sibling deities of Lord Jagannath reached the Gundicha Temple on Friday after the annual Rath Yatra procession. Today, the deities will be ceremonially taken inside the Adapa Mandap as part of the sacred Adapa Bije ritual. As lakhs of devotees continue to throng Puri for the nine-day festival, the Puri Police have intensified security arrangements and launched a special anti-snatching drive to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

According to an official press release issued by the Puri Police, elaborate security measures have been put in place across the pilgrim town in view of the massive influx of devotees and tourists during the Rath Yatra. In addition to regular policing, dedicated anti-snatching teams have been deployed to curb incidents of snatching, pickpocketing, and other property-related crimes.

As part of the special operation, police personnel from various police stations, anti-snatching squads, and plainclothes officers have jointly arrested 103 alleged snatchers during the festival. The operation also led to the recovery of 203 stolen mobile phones, which will be returned to their rightful owners after the completion of the necessary legal formalities.

To strengthen security, special police teams are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance at key locations, including the Bada Danda (Grand Road), the Jagannath Temple precincts, the sea beach, bus stand, railway station, parking areas, and other crowded places. Police are also using CCTV surveillance, modern technology, and intelligence inputs to identify and apprehend suspicious individuals without delay.

The Puri Police said the sustained anti-snatching drive has significantly helped in keeping such crimes under control during the festival. Devotees and tourists have been advised to remain vigilant in crowded areas and take extra care of their mobile phones, wallets, gold ornaments, and other valuables. They have also been urged to immediately report any suspicious activity or snatching incident to the nearest police personnel or the police control room.

Reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of devotees, tourists, and local residents, the Puri Police said the anti-snatching campaign will continue with greater intensity in the coming days. The police also warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in criminal activities, with no leniency shown to offenders.