Puri: A drone was spotted flying in the no-fly zone area around Puri Jagannath Temple on Sunday. The drone was seen at 4 am. It first roamed around the Meghanad Pacheri (outer boundary wall) and later ascended near the Neelachakra. It reportedly hovered around various parts of the temple for around 30 minutes.
Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that such actions are illegal. Puri police has started an investigation and said necessary steps and strict action will be taken against the culprits. Puri SP Vineet Agarwal said that two teams have been deployed to trace the unauthorised drone. Hotels and lodges are being checked. A separate team is reviewing CCTV footage. Officers assured that the person responsible for flying the drone would be caught soon.
The temple area has been declared a no-fly zone, prohibiting any devices or flights in the vicinity. Any flying object entering the vicinity is notified to alter its course, and special measures are implemented in the area. In the particular zone, drones require govt approval to fly.
In the past, multiple such incidents occurred, leading to action against individuals or organizations responsible for flying drones. Public awareness campaigns were also conducted on the matter.TNN