Puri, Jul 20: The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath drew lakhs of devotees and tourists to Puri. As the deities rolled out from the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, chants of Jai Jagannath reverberated across the holy town.

Amid the spiritual fervour, Puri Police has prioritized the safety and security of devotees, launching a massive anti-snatching operation to curb theft and ensure a peaceful darshan.

With crowds thronging the Grand Road, Gundicha Temple, seashore, bus stand, railway station, and parking areas, criminals often exploit the rush to snatch mobile phones, purses, gold ornaments, and valuables.

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To counter this, Puri Police initiated a special anti-snatching drive over the past four days, resulting in the arrest of 143 offenders.

More than 250 stolen mobile phones have been recovered, which will be returned to their rightful owners after legal procedures.

The coordinated effort involved multiple police stations and dedicated anti-snatching teams.

Town Police Station arrested 47 accused, Singhadwar 35, Kumbharpada 31, Sea Beach 15, Baliapanda 13, and Talabania 2. Plainclothes officers, CCTV surveillance, and intelligence inputs were deployed to identify and apprehend suspects swiftly.

Puri SP Prateek Singh emphasized that the safety of devotees and tourists remains the top priority during Rath Yatra. He assured that the anti-snatching campaign will continue throughout the festival and beyond, with strict legal action against offenders.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant in crowded areas and immediately report suspicious activity or theft incidents to nearby officers or the control room at 112.