Habitual Offender with Lengthy Criminal History Arrested for Puri Temple Bomb Threat
In a significant development, Odisha police have apprehended a man with an extensive criminal background for allegedly posting social media threats about a potential bomb attack on the revered Puri Jagannath temple. The accused, identified as Pratik Mishra (30), was taken into custody on Wednesday following a formal complaint lodged by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
Disturbing Social Media Posts Trigger Police Action
The Singhadwar police initiated immediate action after receiving information about alarming social media posts that warned of a possible bomb attack on the 12th-century shrine. These threatening messages also specifically mentioned targeting BJD Rajya Sabha member Subhasish Khuntia and a prominent shopping complex located in Puri, creating widespread concern among authorities and devotees alike.
Investigation Reveals Fake Profile and Revenge Motive
During the course of their investigation, law enforcement officers initially traced the threatening posts to what appeared to be a woman's social media account. However, further scrutiny revealed a more complex scenario. Police discovered that Mishra had created a fake profile using the woman's identity after she rejected his romantic proposal. According to SP (Puri) Prateek Singh, "His motive in the latest case was revenge. He was aggrieved after the woman turned down his proposal."
Nine Criminal Cases Spanning a Decade
Police investigations into Mishra's background uncovered a deeply troubling pattern of criminal behavior spanning nearly ten years. The accused has been booked in nine separate cases across multiple police stations in Odisha:
- Two cases at Puri town police station in 2016
- Three cases at Balanga police station (Puri district) in 2019
- One case at Kendrapada Sadar police station in 2021
- One case at Kendrapada Sadar police station in 2022
- Two cases at Patkura police station (Kendrapada district) in 2025
SP Prateek Singh elaborated on the severity of Mishra's criminal record, stating, "He is a habitual offender charged with attempt to murder, theft, molestation, sexual assault, cheating, forgery, extortion and cyber crimes."
Recent Arrest and Additional Criminal Activities
Police sources revealed that Mishra was previously arrested on April 13, 2025, by Patkura police in Kendrapada district on serious charges of extortion and abetment to suicide. This particular case involved a tragic incident where a man died by hanging after a false rape case was registered against him. Investigators determined this was part of a conspiracy involving Mishra and two other individuals.
"The accused allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh in extortion from him to withdraw the fabricated case," police sources confirmed. Additionally, investigators found evidence that Mishra had allegedly defamed two teachers in the Balanga area of Puri district in September 2019 by morphing their photographs with a former BJD minister.
Pattern of Criminal Behavior Across Multiple Jurisdictions
The accused's criminal activities demonstrate a concerning pattern that extends beyond the recent temple threat case. His previous charges include:
- Sextortion and cyber defamation
- Cheating and financial fraud
- Molestation and sexual assault
- Attempt to murder
- Theft and forgery
- Extortion and abetment to suicide
The Puri Jagannath temple, one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites, attracts millions of devotees annually, making security threats particularly alarming. The swift police response and subsequent arrest highlight the seriousness with which authorities are treating such threats to religious institutions and public figures.
This case underscores the growing challenge of cyber crimes and fake social media profiles being used for criminal activities, revenge plots, and creating public unrest. The investigation continues as authorities examine all aspects of Mishra's criminal network and potential connections to other unlawful activities in the region.
