The authorities have significantly increased security measures in an around the Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri, following a social media post that threatened a bomb attack on the historic 12th-century shrine, officials said on Wednesday.
In connection with the threatening social media post, police have already taken one individual into custody for questioning.
The threat surfaced on Facebook on Tuesday, targeting not only the temple but also BJD Rajya Sabha MP Subhasish Khuntia and a local shopping mall in the pilgrim town.
According to a police official, the digital message caused immediate concern throughout the pilgrim town.
The woman associated with the Facebook account has denied any role in the incident. She informed the investigators that an unidentified person might have created a fake user ID using her name to spread panic, the officer said.
Acting on information provided by the woman, police tracked down a man and detained him for questioning about his potential involvement in the post.
A case has been registered at the cyber police station in Puri, and further investigation into the matter is underway.
“Security arrangements in and around the temple have been strengthened,” the officer said.
MP Subhasish Khuntia, meanwhile, informed that he has been in contact with the Puri Superintendent of Police to demand swift legal action against those responsible.
The MP also alleged that he had received a threatening phone call from an unknown person.
