Odisha Police rule out specific terror threat during Rath Jatra

Against the backdrop of recent reports that the Jagannath Temple was under the scanner of terrorists, a top Odisha police official on Tuesday ruled out any specific terror threat during next month's Rath Jatra at Puri.

"There is no specific intelligence inputs about any threat perception over next month's Rath Yatra at Puri," Director General of Police Prakash Mishra said.

After a top level meeting to discuss security, law and order and traffic arrangements for the June 29 Rath Jatra, Mishra reassured that foolproof security would be in place to ensure that the nine-day festival was peaceful.

When contacted, special DGP Sanjeev Marik said he was unaware of any specific terror threat or any special intelligence inputs regarding a threat.

"Apart from security, traffic and law and order, the police also make a lot of logistic arrangements for the Rath Jatra and all these were discussed threadbare at the meeting," Marik said.

A video clip showing aerial views of the 12th century temple that went viral in the social media last month triggered speculation that the temple town was under terror threat.

Seeking judicial intervention on such a sensitive security concern, a public spirited lawyer had filed a PIL in Orissa High Court last month.

Taking up the petition, the High Court issued notices to the respondents, including the State government to file counters to the petition.