Puri and Ahmedabad Deploy Massive Security for Rath Yatra

The annual Rath Yatra festivals in Puri and Ahmedabad saw massive security deployments and logistical support to manage millions of devotees. In Puri, the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began their journey to the Gundicha Temple on July 16. The Government of Odisha and district administration deployed 12,000 police and paramilitary personnel, supported by 473 CCTV cameras and maritime surveillance from the Indian Coast Guard and Navy. Reliance Industries Limited collaborated with local authorities to provide meals, drinking water, and 90 police aid posts for over 20 lakh pilgrims.

By July 17, as the procession continued, reports emerged of pilgrim casualties. The Chief Minister's Office reported one death of a male devotee over 60 and seven illnesses. However, Biju Janata Dal leader Sanjay Das Burma claimed a higher toll, stating two devotees died and 250-300 others were affected, including 121 trauma cases.

Simultaneously, Ahmedabad implemented a zero-risk security operation for its 149th Rath Yatra on July 17. The city deployed approximately 34,000 personnel, including the Border Security Force and Rapid Action Force, to manage a 16.2 km procession. This operation integrated AI-powered crowd monitoring, facial recognition for 65,000 known criminals, and 100 drones. To protect participating elephants, a Gajraj Squad was deployed to restrict noise and DJs during the procession.