Puri, Sept 12: An unauthorized drone was spotted flying over the Shree Jagannath Temple here in Odisha early Friday morning, triggering serious security concerns. The drone hovered for nearly 10 minutes, circling the temple’s upper structure and repeatedly passing over the sacred Nilachakra.

Repeated Breach in No-Fly Zone

This marks the second such incident in less than 24 hours, as a similar drone was seen flying over the temple premises the previous night. The Jagannath Temple is a designated no-fly zone, and any aerial activity above it is strictly prohibited.

Investigation Underway

Local police have launched an investigation to identify the source and operator of the drone. Devotees and temple servitors expressed alarm over the breach, demanding tighter surveillance and immediate action. Police teams have been deployed to monitor the temple’s airspace, and additional watchtowers are being considered to prevent future violations.

Earlier, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced plans to deploy an advanced anti-drone system at the Srimandir, aiming to detect, monitor, and neutralize unauthorized aerial intrusions, ensuring enhanced security around the sacred site and protecting its restricted airspace.