Puri Srimandir security breached by unauthorized drone sighting

Security concerns have resurfaced at the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri after an unidentified drone was spotted flying over the shrine early Tuesday morning. The device was reportedly seen hovering near the northern side of the temple between 5:00 AM and 5:20 AM before moving toward the Grand Road (Bada Danda).

The airspace surrounding the Srimandir is a designated Red Zone and No-Fly Zone by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Authorities suspect the drone may have been used to record unauthorized aerial footage of the temple, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Local police and temple administration officials have launched an investigation, which includes reviewing CCTV footage to identify the operator and the launch location. Because similar incidents have occurred in the past, devotees and local residents are calling for the installation of automated anti-drone defense systems to prevent future breaches of the restricted airspace.