Police Arrest 103 Alleged Mobile Snatchers During Rath Yatra in Odisha

Puri Police have arrested 103 alleged snatchers and recovered 203 stolen mobile phones during a special anti-snatching drive launched in the pilgrim town amid the ongoing annual Rath Yatra, officials said on Saturday. 

The crackdown was initiated following complaints of mobile phone thefts and pickpocketing as lakhs of devotees thronged Puri to witness the world-famous chariot festival of Lord Jagannath.

Police said the recovered mobile phones would be returned to their rightful owners after completion of



the required legal formalities. 

The special operation was jointly carried out by personnel from various police stations, dedicated anti-snatching squads and plainclothes officers deployed across the town. 

As part of the elaborate security arrangements for the nine-day festival, police maintained heightened vigil at key locations, including Bada Danda (Grand Road), the Jagannath Temple precincts, Puri sea beach, bus stand, railway station, parking areas and other crowded public places.