🔹 Stampede Turns Festive Rath Yatra Tragic in Odisha's Puri
A stampede outside Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha, during the annual Rath Yatra celebrations on Sunday claimed the lives of three devotees, with over 50 others injured, triggering outrage and administrative action.
Thousands had gathered to witness Lord Jagannath’s chariot procession when sudden crowd pressure caused chaos at one of the entry points near the temple.
🔹 Immediate Action: SP, Collector Transferred
Following the incident, the Odisha government transferred Puri’s Superintendent of Police (SP) and District Collector late Sunday evening for alleged lapses in crowd control and festival management.
“We are committed to ensuring such incidents never repeat. An inquiry has been ordered,” said an official from the Chief Minister’s Office.
🔹 What Triggered the Stampede?
Preliminary reports suggest:
Poor barricading
Lack of real-time crowd monitoring
Confusion due to sudden road blockages
The panic began as people tried to squeeze through narrow lanes leading to the Gundicha Temple, leading to a domino effect.
🔹 Injured Undergoing Treatment
Emergency medical services rushed to the scene, and the injured were taken to Puri District Headquarters Hospital and SCB Medical College, Cuttack.
Officials confirmed:
Most injuries were due to suffocation, fractures, and minor trampling
A few remain in critical condition
🔹 Rath Yatra Continues with Tightened Security
Despite the tragedy, the Rath Yatra procession resumed under enhanced security and surveillance, with added deployment of forces and drone monitoring.
✅ FAQs
❓Where did the stampede occur?
Near the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha, during the annual Rath Yatra.
❓How many people died and were injured?
Three people were killed and more than 50 injured in the stampede.
❓What action has the state taken?
The SP and District Collector of Puri have been transferred, and an official inquiry is underway.
❓Is the Rath Yatra continuing?
Yes, the Rath Yatra resumed with additional security measures and crowd control systems.
published on 30 june
Publisher : SMITA
www.vizzve.com || www.vizzveservices.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram
🛡 Powered by Vizzve Financial
RBI-Registered Loan Partner | 10 Lakh+ Customers | ₹600 Cr+ Disbursed