Huge crowd gathered in Puri Rath Yatra, DGP’s advice – do not bring elderly and small children for now; 103 snatchers arrested

Bhubaneswar, July 18. In view of the huge crowd gathered during the ongoing Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha, State Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania has issued an important advisory for the devotees. He has advised the elderly, unwell people and children below 2 years of age not to bring Puri for now, so that there is no adverse effect on their safety and health.

DGP said- Bada Danda was packed with devotees

Talking to the media, DGP YB Khurania said that Bada Danda (Grand Road) and the entire Puri city is filled with lakhs of devotees. Devotees are continuously arriving from different states and there is a festive atmosphere in the entire city. He appealed to the devotees to see the advisories issued from time to time by the administration before the journey and follow all the safety instructions.

Advice not to bring along children below 2 years of age

The DGP specifically said that devotees coming for darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra should not bring children below 2 years of age. Besides, elderly and sick people have also been requested to postpone traveling for the time being.

103 snatchers arrested in anti-snatching campaign

To strengthen the security arrangements during the Rath Yatra, Puri Police launched a special anti-snatching campaign. So far 103 snatchers have been arrested in this operation. Police have also recovered 203 stolen mobile phones of devotees from their possession.

24 hour surveillance in crowded areas

According to Puri Police, special police teams are deployed round the clock at Bada Danda, Shri Jagannath Temple complex, beach, railway station, bus stand, parking and other crowded areas. With the help of CCTV cameras, modern technology and intelligence system, suspicious activities are being continuously monitored.

Police appeal to devotees

The police have appealed to all the devotees to take special security of their mobile phones, purses, gold jewelery and other valuables in crowded areas and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.