By The Sampadak Express
A tragic stampede during the iconic Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri early Sunday morning claimed at least three lives and left over 50 devotees injured, prompting swift action from the state government. The mishap occurred around 4 AM near the Gundicha Temple, a central site of the annual chariot festival, where thousands of devotees had gathered.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired an emergency meeting soon after the incident, taking full responsibility and extending apologies to the public. He announced a high-level investigation into the stampede and promised strict accountability.”
The safety of devotees is our utmost priority. We will ensure such incidents are never repeated,” Majhi said, while announcing an ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
What Led to the Tragedy?
According to eyewitnesses, the chaos began when two trucks carrying sacred Charamala wood entered the Saradhabali area, causing panic in an already dense crowd. Reports suggest mismanagement at entry and exit points, particularly due to a newly created VIP entrance, may have worsened the situation. Devotees trying to exit through the same entrance reportedly led to overcrowding and the eventual stampede.
Key Actions Taken So Far:
Suspensions: Puri DCP Bishnu Charan Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi have been suspended.
Transfers: Puri Collector Siddharth S Swain and SP Binit Agarwal have been transferred.
Probe: Odisha DGP YB Khurania is leading the investigation. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed stringent action against those found guilty.
Reactions & Condolences:
Senior Daitapati servitor Ramakrishna Das Mahapatra expressed deep sorrow and called for improved safety arrangements for devotees.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said the incident is a grim reminder of the need for robust crowd management during massive public gatherings.
Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, called for a thorough inquiry and expressed condolences.
Former CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik criticised the administration for what he termed an “abysmal failure” in crowd control and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
The Rath Yatra, one of the most revered religious events in India, annually attracts lakhs of pilgrims to Puri. This year’s tragedy has cast a shadow over the celebrations and reignited conversations around event safety protocols in mass gatherings.
