Bhubaneswar, Dec. 27 -- The Forest Department, on Saturday, closed the Shikharchandi shrine and restricted public movement in the surrounding hill area of Bhubaneswar after two adult male tuskers were found roaming the region for several days.

As per the latest developments, the shrine will remain shut until the elephants move out of the area, authorities confirmed.

According to the Chandaka forest division, the decision was taken strictly on safety grounds as the presence of elephants was confirmed within close proximity to areas frequented by devotees and tourists.

Sources reported that officials locked the main entrance gate of the Shikharchandi shrine to prevent public access and informed the Infocity police station to assist in en...