Sambalpur: A video allegedly showing a young couple engaging in obscene behaviour within the premises of the Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage and raising serious concerns over security arrangements at the shrine.
The purported incident is believed to have taken place a few days ago at the backside of the pilgrim centre inside the temple complex. However, the video surfaced online recently, quickly drawing public attention and sparking debate over surveillance and safety measures at the revered shrine.
Temple Trust Board President Sanjay Babu said the incident appears to have occurred in an area that is not covered under the current CCTV surveillance network.
He also said the temple is a place of worship and devotees must maintain decorum, adding that it is neither a park nor an entertainment zone. He emphasized the need for visitors to respect the sanctity of the religious site.
He further stated that the Trust Board is working to maintain a spiritual atmosphere within the temple premises by playing bhajans and mantras through sound systems.
Babu also stated that such incidents cause distress among devotees and create a sense of discomfort and insecurity. He acknowledged that the existing CCTV surveillance system is insufficient and said steps have already been initiated to install around 78 CCTV cameras across the temple premises.
At present, 38 CCTV cameras have been installed, of which only 32 are functional. He added that monitoring and surveillance will be further strengthened once the installation work is completed.
