Every year, lakhs of devotees and tourists gather in Puri for the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra. However, the 2026 festival has been overshadowed by a series of unfortunate incidents.
Following the hospitalisation of several devotees and the deaths of two people, Puri Police launched an intensive anti-crime operation, recovering numerous stolen mobile phones and arresting several alleged snatchers.
The Puri Police, during the Rath Yatra 2026, launched an intensive anti-crime operation to ensure a safe and secure pilgrimage for everyone. In an anti-snatching crackdown during the festival, 103 alleged snatchers have been arrested, while 203 stolen mobile phones have been recovered as part of a dedicated Anti-Snatching Drive, as per reports by Times Now.The police said that special teams, local police stations and plainclothes personnel have been working round-the-clock to prevent such incidents. Authorities have also deployed enhanced surveillance at key locations such as Bada Danda (Grand Road), the Shri Jagannath Temple area, Puri Sea Beach, the Bus Stand, Railway Station, parking zones and other crowded public places. The recovered mobile phones will be returned to their owner after legal formalities are completed.
The Anti-Snatching teams have used CCTV surveillance, intelligence inputs, and modern investigative techniques to identify, and track offenders. The police has also appealed to devotees and tourists to remain vigilant and keep a close watch on their belongings and valuables in crowded areas.
Officials have reaffirmed the continuation of the Anti-Snatching drive throughout the festival, with strict legal action against anyone found involved in criminal activities. The Police also aims to ensure the safety, security and peace of millions of devotees through enhanced security and surveillance.The Puri Police has started one of the biggest anti-snatching crackdowns during the Rath Yatra 2026, with an aim to ensure the safety, security and peace of millions of devotees.Till now, 103 alleged snatchers have been arrested, while 203 stolen mobile phones have been recovered.
The Puri Police, during the Rath Yatra 2026, launched an intensive anti-crime operation to ensure a safe and secure pilgrimage for everyone. In an anti-snatching crackdown during the festival, 103 alleged snatchers have been arrested, while 203 stolen mobile phones have been recovered as part of a dedicated Anti-Snatching Drive, as per reports by Times Now.The police said that special teams, local police stations and plainclothes personnel have been working round-the-clock to prevent such incidents. Authorities have also deployed enhanced surveillance at key locations such as Bada Danda (Grand Road), the Shri Jagannath Temple area, Puri Sea Beach, the Bus Stand, Railway Station, parking zones and other crowded public places. The recovered mobile phones will be returned to their owner after legal formalities are completed. The Anti-Snatching teams have used CCTV surveillance, intelligence inputs, and modern investigative techniques to identify, and track offenders. The police has also appealed to devotees and tourists to remain vigilant and keep a close watch on their belongings and valuables in crowded areas. Officials have reaffirmed the continuation of the Anti-Snatching drive throughout the festival, with strict legal action against anyone found involved in criminal activities. The Police also aims to ensure the safety, security and peace of millions of devotees through enhanced security and surveillance.The Puri Police has started one of the biggest anti-snatching crackdowns during the Rath Yatra 2026, with an aim to ensure the safety, security and peace of millions of devotees.Till now, 103 alleged snatchers have been arrested, while 203 stolen mobile phones have been recovered.