Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday directed Odisha Police to implement extensive security measures across the state, specifically emphasising vigilance during major festivals like the ongoing Bali Jatra in Cuttack.
The directive by the CM came hours after an explosion in Delhi’s Red Fort area claimed at least nine lives and left 24 injured.
Taking to his X handle, CM Majhi wrote, “I strongly condemn the incident. India has never tolerated such inhumane incidents, and nor will it.”
Majhi expressed confidence that the Central Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the guilty are punished.
Deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic explosion in Delhi today.
My sincere condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.May Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath grant eternal peace to the departed souls, strength and courage to the bereaved…
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) November 10, 2025
Speaking to Odisha DGP YB Khurania, CM Majhi ordered extensive security arrangements, particularly focusing on the Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack, which sees footfalls of lakhs of people daily and is scheduled to conclude on November 12.
He also mandated that the police remain on full alert, tightening security in major cities and sensitive locations state-wide.
The state police, meanwhile, have sounded high alert at all major religious and strategic installations. An officer confirmed that all field units are on high alert, with enhanced patrolling and security coverage at sites including the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and other vital installations.
“All field units are on high alert. Jagannath Temple, all other important religious places and vital installations are under security cover. Police patrolling has been enhanced,” the officer said.
Special security arrangements, including intensified frisking and checking, have been implemented at crowded areas in Puri, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar such as the beach, railway station, and bus stands, as well as at entry and exit points.
Security has also been tightened at key defence sites, including the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district. Similar heightened checks are underway at railway stations in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
Speaking to media persons, the Superintendent of Police of Puri district, Prateek Singh, said that all the officials of the district police have been instructed to remain alert.
He said that discussions were held with the coast guard to keep watch on the coastal security.
Singh also informed that the anti-sabotage and bomb disposal teams have already reached the temple. They have been instructed to thoroughly sanitise the surroundings of the 12th-century shrine and remove any suspicious vehicles or persons found near the Jagannath Temple.
The Puri SP also appealed to the people to inform the police immediately after coming across any suspicious item.
