A fatal stampede at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, early Sunday morning, killed at least three pilgrims and left more than 50 others injured, leading the state government to order a high-level inquiry and suspend top police officers.
The accident took place close to the Gundicha Temple, a focus of the annual religious event, where thousands had assembled to see the unveiling of the idols. The stampede occurred at around 4 AM, when there was peak rush.
How the Chaos Unfolded
Witnesses added the chaos started when two trucks bringing sacred Charamala wood drove into Saradhabali, panicking devotees. Additionally, VIP movement is reported to have added to the confusion, and the newly formed routes have resulted in a bottleneck. One resident observed, “Common people were being asked to move out from a distance, but many moved towards the gate itself.”
CM Majhi Owns Up, Promises Compensation
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called for an emergent meeting and openly accepted the responsibility of the mishap. “We are determined to ensure such accidents are not repeated. The safety of devotees is our first priority,” he said.
Majhi declared ₹25 lakh compensation to the families of each of the victims who had lost their lives and apologized to Lord Jagannath’s devotees for the tragedy.
Police, Administrative Action Follows
After the incident, Puri DCP Bishnu Charan Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were suspended. District Collector Siddharth S Swain and SP Binit Agarwal were transferred too.
Odisha DGP YB Khurania confirmed that an official probe had been initiated. Law Minister Harichandan further stated, “Stringent action against those responsible will be ensured.”
Voices from Across the Spectrum
Senior Daitapati servitor Ramakrishna Das Mahapatra offered condolences and called for better arrangements in the future by the administration. Puri King Divyasingha Deb termed the incident as “shocking” and demanded a detailed inquiry.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said that the tragedy highlighted the issue of better crowd management and event preparation. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, while offering condolences, referred to the mishap as an “abysmal failure” of state administration.
