Terror Graffiti Warning To 'Destroy Jagannath Temple' Found Near Puri’s Shrine; One Held

Last Updated:August 13, 2025, 15:32 IST

The incident has once again raised concerns over Srimandir’s security, with the Union Home Ministry and NSG earlier recommending tighter safety measures.

Jagannath temple in Puri | Image: PTI

Police in Odisha’s Puri have intensified security and launched a probe after graffiti threatening a terrorist attack on the Jagannath Temple (Srimandir) was found on Wednesday morning.

The messages, written in Odia, appeared on the walls of the Budhi Maa Thakurani temple near the Balisahi entrance of the Parikrama Marg, a high-security zone around the Srimandir.

The graffiti, spotted at two locations, mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and carried statements such as “Terrorists will destroy the temple," along with phone numbers and call instructions.

Locals also reported damage to decorative lighting in the area.

Puri Superintendent of Police Pinaki Mishra said, “This morning we got information from social media and other sources that something has been scribbled, and after investigating we found something written wrong, which threatened the Temple. Our special team is investigating the matter, and we have taken it seriously. We are reviewing the CCTV footage. The police team has got some clues."

One person, identified as Raghunath Sahoo, has been detained, with Puri SP saying that the man appeared to be mentally unwell.

“From the preliminary inquiry, we got to know that he is a mentally ill person. He confessed to the police that he wrote it. So, questions are being asked about when and why he wrote it. Questions will be asked again after the medical examination. He had behaved like this in the past due to family issues," the SP added.

The incident has once again raised concerns over Srimandir’s security, with the Union Home Ministry and NSG earlier recommending tighter safety measures.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from functioning cameras and increasing vigilance to safeguard the 12th-century temple, which draws pilgrims from across the globe throughout the year, especially during festivals like Devasnana Purnima and Ratha Yatra.

Location :

Puri, India, India

First Published:

August 13, 2025, 15:32 IST

News india Terror Graffiti Warning To 'Destroy Jagannath Temple' Found Near Puri’s Shrine; One Held

Read More