Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri, May 29:

An eight-member team of the National Security Guard (NSG) led by IG (Operations), Odisha Soumendra Priyadarshi took stock of the security measures at the Sri Jagannath temple and also the security arrangement for the ensuing Rath Yatra, the biggest socio-religious festival in Odisha.

NSG team at Puri temple NSG team at Puri temple

During the visit to the temple, the team reviewed the stepped-up security measures at the four gates, Koili Baikuntha, sanctum sanctorum and all the shrines around the main temple.

The team also examined the close-circuit cameras installed at several points and found some of these were not working. The NSG officials also suggested the installation of additional CC cameras at certain crucial points inside the temple.

Later, the officials went to the CCTV control room and watched the visuals. They also took note of the shortcomings of the system in the control room.

The team inspected the watch towers erected along the four sides of the temple boundary wall (Meghanad Pacheri) and noted down their suggestions for a better strategic surveillance.

The team, who spent 90 minutes inside the temple- from 11 AM to 12.30 PM - did not share the details of their Puri visit with the media for 'security reasons'.

However, sources said the NSG officials, in association with the local police, had a mock drill inside Hotel Mayfair here in the late night hours.

The mock exercise inside this seaside hotel was basically a rehearsal of an anti- terrorist operation sources said.