Bhubaneswar: With preparations underway for the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha Police Headquarters has finalized an extensive security and crowd management plan, assigning four senior IPS officers to oversee crowd control during the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath.
The move comes as crowd management remains one of the most critical aspects of the event, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad. The security arrangements have gained additional significance following last year’s stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple that claimed three lives and left several others injured.
Four Senior IPS Officers Assigned Crowd Control Duties
According to senior police officials, Odisha Police has entrusted crowd management responsibilities to four experienced IPS officers.
The officers assigned to oversee crowd control are:
- Praveen Kumar, IG (Personnel)
- Satyabrata Bhoi, IG (North Central Range)
- Sarthak Sarangi, IG, Crime Branch
- Charan Singh Meena, DIG (Provisioning)
These officers will coordinate field-level deployment, crowd movement regulation and emergency response mechanisms during the festival.
Read also: Odisha Police to Deploy 72 Platoons for Puri Snan Yatra 2026; DGP Reviews Security Preparations
RP Koche to Head Overall Security Arrangements
Under the tentative security blueprint, RP Koche, Director, Intelligence, will be responsible for overall security arrangements during Rath Yatra.
Given the scale and sensitivity of the event, intelligence gathering, threat assessment and coordination among various agencies will be crucial components of the security strategy.
Officials said special attention is being paid to monitoring potential security threats and ensuring smooth conduct of the festival.
Deepak Kumar to Lead Anti-Terror and Counter-Drone Operations
In view of emerging security challenges, Deepak Kumar, IG (Operations), has been entrusted with overseeing anti-terrorist measures and counter-drone operations.
The deployment reflects increasing concerns about the use of drones and other technological threats during major public gatherings.
Specialized teams equipped with advanced surveillance and anti-drone systems are expected to be deployed at strategic locations.
Temple Security and VIP Protection Responsibilities Assigned
Odisha Police has also allocated specific responsibilities for key operational areas.
Security Inside Shree Jagannath Temple
Pinak Mishra, DIG, Eastern Range, will supervise security arrangements inside the Shree Jagannath Temple complex.
VIP Security
Anup Kumar Sahoo, IG (Training), has been assigned responsibility for VIP security management during the festival.
The Rath Yatra typically witnesses the presence of senior political leaders, judges, diplomats and other dignitaries.
Amitabh Thakur to Manage Traffic Operations
The responsibility for traffic management has been assigned to Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner.
He will be assisted by Kanwar Vishal Singh, DIG, Special Task Force (STF).
Traffic regulation is considered one of the most challenging aspects of Rath Yatra due to the massive influx of pilgrims and vehicles into Puri.
Officials are expected to implement extensive traffic diversions, parking arrangements and crowd movement plans to ensure smooth transportation.
Coastal and Railway Security Strengthened
Security monitoring will extend beyond the city limits to coastal areas and railway infrastructure.
Arun Bothra, ADG (Railways and Coastal Security), will supervise security arrangements at:
- Coastal areas
- Beaches
- Railway stations
- Rail routes connected to Puri
He will be assisted by Vivekananda Sharma, SP, Crime Branch.
Authorities expect a large number of devotees to arrive via trains, making railway security a major operational priority.
Integrated Control Room to Monitor CCTV Network
An Integrated Control Room will be established for real-time monitoring of security operations and CCTV coverage across the city.
The control room will oversee:
- Crowd density monitoring
- Traffic management
- Emergency response coordination
- Surveillance feeds
- Incident reporting
Battula Gangadhar, DIG, Crime Branch, has been appointed in-charge of the Integrated Control Room.
Officials said advanced CCTV systems and monitoring technologies will play a key role in ensuring rapid response to any emergency situation.
Odisha May Seek 15 CAPF Companies
Sources indicated that Odisha Police is likely to request the Union Government to deploy at least 15 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) during the festival.
The additional forces are expected to assist in:
- Law and order maintenance
- Crowd management
- Anti-terror operations
- Security of sensitive locations
- Emergency response
The final deployment will be decided after consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Saumyendra Priyadarsi Given Overall Charge
Saumyendra Priyadarsi, ADG (Modernisation), has been entrusted with overall supervision of police arrangements during Rath Yatra and associated rituals.
The decision assumes significance as Priyadarsi was also placed in overall charge following last year’s tragic stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple.
The state government is determined to prevent any recurrence of such incidents and has directed all agencies to adopt a zero-error approach in crowd and security management.
Focus on Safety After Last Year’s Stampede
The security plan has been designed with special emphasis on crowd regulation and emergency preparedness following the stampede incident during the previous Rath Yatra.
Police officials said:
- Additional surveillance measures will be deployed.
- Emergency response teams will remain on standby.
- Crowd flow patterns will be monitored continuously.
- Coordination among police, district administration and temple authorities will be strengthened.
- Public announcement and guidance systems will be enhanced.
Authorities expect the comprehensive security framework to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of one of India’s largest religious gatherings.
