Ratha Jatra: Restriction imposed on police officials visiting Puri

Puri: No police personnel other than officials posted in Puri district and those deputed for law and order duty will be permitted to visit the pilgrim town on official duty till July 4, 2020.

The decision was taken in view of the recent incident, where an officer of Jajpur police visited police and tried to enter the temple despite the COVID-19 lockdown restriction.

“Possibility of some officers alone or with family visiting Puri on pretext of official work or otherwise for darshan cannot be totally ruled out. Hence, it is hereby laid down that other than officers posted in Puri district and those deputed for L & O duty, no officer will be permitted to go on official duty to Puri till July 4, ” said a communique issued by the Police Headquarters, Cuttack with approval from DGP Abhay.

In case of urgency and if the duty cannot be postponed, permission will be taken from state Police Headquarters via ADG (Law and Order) for visit to Puri, the communique added.