The Odisha government has taken strict action regarding the stampede case during the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri. The District Collector and SP of Puri have been transferred. DCP Vishnu husband and commandant Ajay Padhi has been suspended for negligence in duty. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the families of each deceased devotee. The CM has ordered a detailed administrative inquiry under the supervision of the Development Commissioner and has given instructions for the transfer of District Collector and SP. Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new District Collector, while Pinak Mishra has taken over as the new SP.
The Chief Minister expressed deep grief over this tragedy and apologized to all Jagannath devotees personally and from the state government. He also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased. Majhi said that Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is world famous in Puri, in which millions of devotees come to Saradhabali with immense devotion and enthusiasm for the divine darshan of God. He also said that unfortunately three devotees lost their lives due to huge crowd and intense enthusiasm. The Chief Minister reiterated that administrative orders have been given to investigate the incident. Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new District Magistrate of Puri while Pinak Mishra will take over as the new Superintendent of Police.
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At the same time, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik claimed that the stampede has revealed the gross incompatibility of the Odisha government in ensuring peaceful rath yatra for the devotees. Patnaik posted on X, “I express deep condolences to the families of the three devotees who lost my life in the stampede in Shardabali in Puri and pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath for the early recovery of the injured devotees.” Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Patnaik said, “Today’s stampede, just a day after the gross failure of the mob management during the Rath Yatra, has highlighted the government’s disability in ensuring a peaceful festival.” Patnaik alleged, ‘According to eyewitnesses, soon after this horrific tragedy, the families of the devotees first started relief work. No government machinery was present on the spot to control the crowd. This is a clear indication of a shocking administrative negligence.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at saradhabali, #Puri And I Pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the Swift Recovery of the Devotees Injured in this Devastating Incident.
Today’s Stampede,…
– Naveen patnaik (@naveen_odisha) June 29, 2025
