On May 30, 2025, a drone was spotted flying over the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, a designated no-fly zone, raising serious concerns about security lapses at the 12th-century shrine. The incident, captured in a viral video posted on Instagram under the account “Story by Naru Gopal,” showed a Chunara Sevak climbing the 214-ft temple to tie the sacred “bana” (flag) on the Nilachakra, offering salutations to the drone. The footage, recorded in full view of hundreds of devotees, exposed a blatant violation of the temple’s strict airspace regulations.
Despite the ban on drone flights due to security and religious sensitivities, the device hovered close to the temple, capturing detailed visuals of the sacred ritual. This breach has triggered widespread outrage and questions about the effectiveness of security measures at one of India’s holiest sites. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and Puri police have yet to issue an official statement, but an investigation has been launched to identify the operator and circumstances behind the incident.
Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan expressed alarm, emphasizing that such violations are unacceptable and that legal action will be taken. He assured that the government prioritizes temple security and devotee safety, revealing that anti-drone technology is being implemented to prevent future breaches. The incident, following similar violations in recent months, underscores the urgent need for robust surveillance and enforcement to protect the sacred site.
