10,000 security personnel, Al cameras, NSG deployed for Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri

The seaside pilgrim town of Puri on Wednesday turned into a fortress with around 10,000 security personnel deployed for the annual Rath Yatra celebrations of Lord Jagannath on June 27, police said.

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Besides, over 250 Artificial Intelligence-enabled cameras have been installed in various places in the town for surveillance, a police officer said.

The security personnel, including those of central armed forces, participated in a rehearsal to prepare themselves to handle the lakhs of devotees who will arrive in the town from every nook and cranny of the country and abroad to get a glimpse of the trinity, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath.

The deities come out of the 12th-century shrine to mingle with devotees cutting across caste, creed and religion once a year.

As this year's Rath Yatra celebration will be held post-Pahalgam terror attack, security arrangements have been made keeping different aspects in view, a senior police officer said.