Puri Rath Yatra stampede was termed “very unfortunate” by the Law Minister, who assured that strict action will follow after a senior officer investigates the tragedy. The government awaits the inquiry report before proceeding further.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan referred to the stampede that took place during the annual Puri Rath Yatra as “very unfortunate,” stating that appropriate measures will be taken following an investigation.
The incident resulted in the deaths of three devotees and left several others injured during the crowd surge at the renowned Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
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Harichandan informed reporters,
“The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident… We will take action once we get the report of the investigation,”
He added,
“Mahaprabhu, with his wish, gives darshan to his devotees… Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to offer prayers… I prayed to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of everyone.”
In response to the incident, the state government has initiated a high-level administrative inquiry, which will be followed by the Development Commissioner.
Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra has been replaced, and Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has been succeeded by Chanchal Rana. Additionally, Odisha DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi have been suspended for negligence.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and announced financial assistance of Rs.25 lakh to the families of each deceased devotee.
He assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and emphasized the need to prevent such incidents in the future.
Adding that the safety and sanctity of the festival would be safeguarded at all costs, the Chief Minister stated,
“Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha,”
Meanwhile, Arabinda K Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Office in Puri, noted that the rituals during the festival proceeded smoothly despite the unfortunate event.
He said,
“The chariots in the Rath Yatra reached Shree Gundicha Temple on June 28, and as per tradition, they visited their birthplace the next day. Unique and mesmerizing rituals were conducted today very smoothly… We acknowledge the support and cooperation of the devotees… The important ritual will be the Sandhya Darshan on July 4. We request all the devotees to cooperate and follow the given instructions,”
Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania also mentioned that the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath was completed without any issues.
He stated,
“Just now, lakhs of people throughout the country witnessed the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath. There was no disturbance anywhere,”
The annual Rath Yatra is a vital religious event in Odisha, attracting lakhs of devotees from across the nation. The recent stampede has raised concerns over crowd management, prompting authorities to review safety protocols for future events.
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