Puri: Ahead of the annual Ratha Jatra, the Puri Police have intensified their crackdown on crime and anti-social activities under a special ‘Clean City Drive’ aimed at ensuring a safe and secure environment for lakhs of devotees expected to visit the holy town.

Crackdown on crime and pilgrim exploitation before Ratha Jatra

As part of the special operation, police arrested 23 anti-social elements within the last 24 hours and registered eight criminal cases, officials said on Monday. The initiative is focused on maintaining law and order and preventing any disruption during the grand festival.

In a significant action, the Singhadwar Police arrested a person for allegedly extorting money from devotees by falsely promising to facilitate quick darshan at the Jagannath Temple. Police said strict surveillance has been put in place to curb the exploitation of pilgrims and to take immediate action against those indulging in such illegal activities.

During a series of raids, police also seized a large cache of weapons and contraband. The recoveries included three swords, four knives, an iron rod, several bottles of Corex cough syrup, and more than 750 litres of illegal liquor.

According to data released by the Puri Police, a total of 307 anti-social elements have been arrested so far this year. In the crackdown against the illegal trade of Corex syrup, 29 persons have been arrested in 19 cases, with over 1,600 bottles seized. Similarly, 28 people have been arrested in 47 brown sugar-related cases.

The police have also registered 623 cases of drunken driving and 350 cases related to the illegal liquor trade during the year as part of their sustained enforcement efforts.

A senior police official said all necessary arrangements are being made for the convenience and safety of devotees visiting Puri during the Ratha Jatra. “We are working in close coordination with the temple administration and have taken special measures for crowd management. The police are fully prepared to ensure that devotees can have a peaceful and orderly darshan of Lord Jagannath during the festival,” the official said.

The intensified drive comes as Puri gears up to host one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, with authorities leaving no stone unturned to maintain security and public order during the annual chariot festival.