‘No Police, No Ambulance’: Eyewitnesses Slam Odisha Govt Over Stampede Mismanagement at Puri Rath Yatra 2025
The 2025 Puri Rath Yatra, one of India’s largest religious festivals, turned tragic as a stampede broke out amid massive crowds, leaving several injured and triggering widespread outrage over the Odisha government’s alleged mismanagement.
According to eyewitnesses, there was little to no police presence or emergency medical aid at the time of the chaos. Multiple people took to social media to express frustration over the complete lack of crowd control, ambulances, and first responders.
🚨 What Happened?
The stampede occurred near the Grand Road in Puri as the Jagannath chariot procession reached a congested stretch. Panic erupted when pilgrims pushed forward, resulting in people falling and getting trampled.
“There was no police to guide the crowd or control the situation. People were screaming, but not a single ambulance arrived for over 30 minutes,” said a survivor.
🏥 Emergency Services Missing
Witnesses reported that ambulances were delayed, and in some cases, injured devotees were carried on stretchers by other pilgrims due to the absence of medical teams nearby.
The situation highlights a serious lapse in disaster preparedness, especially given the millions expected to attend the festival every year.
🛑 Govt Under Fire
The Odisha government is facing criticism for:
Inadequate deployment of police and volunteers
No visible medical aid at critical points
Poor communication and crowd dispersal systems
While state officials have promised an inquiry, no concrete steps have been outlined yet to address the safety failures.
📢 What Officials Say
A senior Odisha official claimed that the administration had deployed over 10,000 personnel, but logistical challenges and mobile network disruptions hampered coordination.
“We are investigating the root cause and will revise our protocols. The Rath Yatra attracts over a million pilgrims, and handling such scale is complex,” the official said.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What caused the stampede at Puri Rath Yatra 2025?
A: The stampede was triggered by uncontrolled crowd movement in a congested section during the chariot procession. Eyewitnesses blame the lack of police and emergency services.
Q2: Were there any casualties reported?
A: While multiple injuries were confirmed, the official toll has not been disclosed. Rescue operations were reportedly delayed due to lack of ambulances.
Q3: What was the Odisha government’s response?
A: The government has ordered an inquiry but is facing criticism for inadequate police presence and lack of real-time emergency response.
Q4: How could this have been prevented?
A: Better crowd management, strategic police deployment, and on-ground emergency services could have reduced the risk of stampedes.
Q5: Is the Rath Yatra continuing after the incident?
A: Yes, but under heightened monitoring. Authorities claim they are making adjustments to ensure better crowd control for the remaining days.
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Reported by Benny on June 30, 2025.
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