Bhubaneswar, July 18 (IANS). Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania has advised elderly devotees and unwell people to avoid going to Puri in view of the huge crowd during the ongoing Rath Yatra on Friday.
Speaking to the media, Khurania appealed to the devotees not to bring children below 1 and 2 years of age while coming to Puri for darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. This advisory has been issued keeping in mind their safety and health in view of the huge crowd.
“Bada Danda (Grand Road) is full of devotees. Lakhs of devotees are present in Bada Danda and Puri city. A large number of people are reaching Puri from different directions. The atmosphere of the festival is full of excitement and enthusiasm,” Khurania said.
Odisha DGP appealed to the devotees coming to Puri to see the advisories issued from time to time and strictly follow the instructions. He said that this year extensive arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra.
Meanwhile, Puri district police, conducting a special anti-snatching operation during the ongoing Rath Yatra, has arrested 103 snatchers and recovered 203 mobile phones stolen from devotees.
In view of the arrival of large number of devotees, Puri Police has launched a special campaign along with security arrangements to prevent snatching, pick-pocketing and other property related crimes.
Special police teams are keeping round-the-clock vigil at Bada Danda, Shri Jagannath Temple complex, beaches, bus stands, railway stations, parking areas and other crowded places during the Rath Yatra. With the help of CCTV cameras, modern technology and intelligence, suspicious people are being identified and arrested immediately.
Police have appealed to all devotees and common people to be cautious about their mobile phones, purses, gold jewelery and other valuables in crowded places.
–IANS
AMT/ABM