Bhubaneswar: To ensure seamless security and management during the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha government has entrusted senior IPS officer Soumendra Priyadarshi with overall responsibility for overseeing the festival’s arrangements.
Priyadarshi, a 1995-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, will supervise critical aspects including law and order, traffic management, crowd control, and coordination of security and logistical setups both inside and outside the historic 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple.
The annual Rath Yatra, one of India’s largest religious processions, draws lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad, making robust planning essential to handle the massive gathering safely.
The senior officer has been tasked with coordinating among various departments, agencies, and stakeholders to strengthen overall preparedness and ensure smooth conduct of the chariot festival. This assignment aims to enhance inter-departmental synergy and prevent any lapses during the high-stakes event.
Priyadarshi began his career as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Puri itself, giving him deep familiarity with the temple town and its unique challenges. He has previously served in key positions, including Additional Director General (ADG) of Police (Law and Order) during the Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently as ADG (Modernisation).
