55-Yr-Old Man Detained for Scribbling Threats on Puri Temple Wall

Puri: Police on Wednesday detained a local man of Puri after threatening messages were found scrawled on the walls of the Budhi Maa Thakurani Temple, near the Balisahi entrance of the Srimandir Heritage Corridor in the holy city.

The accused has been identified as Raghunath Sahoo (55), a resident of Puri town. The incident caused a stir in the holy city, given the proximity of the temple to the Jagannath Temple’s Heritage Corridor project.

Puri SP Pinak Mishra informed newsmen that after teh discovery of the threatening graffiti, a special team was mobilised, and within hours teh accused was identified and detained.

According to police sources, Sahoo exhibited signs of mental instability and spoke incoherently during questioning. But he has reportedly confessed to scribbling the messages but could not articulate why. There are also indications of ongoing family-related disturbances in his life which has taken toll on his mental condition

Police believe Sahoo acted alone. A medical examination has been ordered to assess his mental health condition.

While the messages did not appear to pose an immediate threat, the incident has triggered concern over security lapses in the temple zone. Increased surveillance measures have now been put in place.

Further investigation is underway.