A stampede during the early morning hours of the annual Rath Yatra in Puri has left three devotees dead and several injured, raising serious concerns over the crowd control arrangements in place during one of India’s most revered religious festivals.
The Odisha government has announced a thorough probe into the incident amid mounting public criticism.
The stampede occurred between 4 AM and 4:30 AM near the Saradhabali area close to the Gundicha Temple.
Thousands of devotees had gathered for ‘darshan’ of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
According to eyewitnesses, a truck entered the area to remove palm logs placed near the chariots, triggering confusion and panic among the crowd. The ensuing chaos led to the deadly stampede.
Survivors alleged that there were no police or district administration officials present when the incident occurred.
Several devotees said the absence of proper cordoning and last-mile regulation contributed to the disaster.
Immediate response
Upon receiving reports of the incident, Director General of Police YB Khurania, Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, and Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal rushed to the scene.
A police officer at the site stated that the mishap happened after the ‘Pahuda’ (ceremonial closure of Darshan), when a massive surge of devotees moved towards the temple cordon.
Speaking to the media, Collector Swain said, “Around nine devotees experienced breathlessness. They were evacuated immediately, and three were declared dead. Six others are being treated at the hospital.”
He confirmed that post-mortem procedures for the deceased are underway.
While SP Vinit Agrawal denied the claim that police were absent at the spot, the administration has faced widespread criticism.
Many devotees and local residents have questioned the planning and preparation for managing the large influx of pilgrims, especially given the scale of the event and historical precedents.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the government would conduct a comprehensive investigation.
“We are committed to taking action against those responsible for any negligence,” he stated.
Officials identified the deceased as Pravati Das, Basanti Sahoo, and Premkant Mohanty, a 70-year-old man.
All three were from Khurda district and had travelled to Puri for the Rath Yatra.
The tragic loss of life has cast a shadow over the festival, which draws millions of devotees each year.
As the investigation begins, the incident has reignited demands for stronger safety protocols and improved crowd management at religious events of such magnitude.
Also Read: Stampede During Jagannath Rath Yatra In Puri Claims Three Lives
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