Largest manpower at police station for Jagannath

The security of the famous 12th century Jagannath temple at Puri will now be monitored round-the-clock. An exclusive police station for the Jagannath temple was inaugurated by Orissa DGP Gopal C. Nanda on Sunday. It has been named Singhadwar (Lion's Gate) police station.

"The Singhadwar police station will have the shortest jurisdiction in terms of area but the largest manpower in the state. While an urban police station is manned by 15-20 cops, this police station will be manned by 264 personnel, which will include one deputy superintendent of police, two inspectors, 20 sub-inspectors, 22 assistant sub-inspectors, 96 constables and others," said Nanda.

The plan to enhance security for the Jagannath temple has been on the cards after the attacks on Akshardham temple in Gujarat and the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi. After terrorists recently targeted Jaipur, the Orissa government has beefed up security for the Jagannath temple just 19 days before the Car Festival. Before the Car Festival on July 4, spotters will be deployed at entry points, railway stations and bus terminals in Puri. Spotters from other states will also arrive to help the state police keep watch on all movements into Puri.

Security personnel manning the four entry points of the Jagannath temple have also been placed on high alert, while mobile patrolling around the temple has been intensified. Intelligence Bureau and state Special Branch sleuths have been asked to keep a vigil on all hotels and dharamshalas.

Hotel owners and fishing communities have also been asked to report about any suspicious looking persons to the Puri police.