Bhubaneswar, June 14: As part of heightened security measures ahead of the annual Rath Yatra 2026, Puri Police have launched a special enforcement drive across the pilgrim town, arresting 23 individuals involved in various criminal activities and registering eight cases within the last 24 hours, officials said on Monday.

Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said the police administration is fully prepared for the upcoming festival and is committed to ensuring that Puri remains safe and free from criminal activities during the event.

According to police, eight cases were registered across different police stations under the Puri subdivision over the past day. During the operation, 23 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in extortion, intimidation, snatching, and other criminal offences. Several of the accused are reported to have prior criminal records.

Under the ongoing “Clean City Drive,” police carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations, resulting in the seizure of three swords, four knives, iron rods, bottles of Corex cough syrup, and more than 7,500 litres of liquor.