News Brief
Puri Stampede: Odisha CM Majhi Apologises To Lord Jagannath Devotees, Orders Probe; Top Officials Suspended For Negligence
Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri (File Photo) (Photo credit: STR/AFP/GettyImages)
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has sought forgiveness from devotees of Lord Jagannath, and tendered an apology on behalf of his government after a stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple in Odisha’s Puri on Sunday (29 June) claimed three lives and left around 50 others injured, PTI reported.
“Due to intense eagerness among devotees to have a glimpse of Mahaprabhu... an unfortunate incident occurred because of the resulting jostling and chaos. I and my government seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We express our condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives... pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to bear this profound sorrow,” Majhi said in a statement posted on X.
The incident took place at about 4 am when large number of devotees assembled to witness the Rath Yatra rituals.
The chaos was reportedly triggered after two trucks carrying materials for rituals entered the crowded space near the chariots of the deities.
The deceased were identified as Basanti Sahu (36) from Bolagarh, and Premakant Mohanty (80) and Pravati Das (42) from Balipatna. Six of the injured remain in critical condition.
Calling the negligence “unpardonable”, Majhi ordered an immediate investigation into the security lapses.
“An immediate investigation into the security lapses will be conducted, and I have directed that necessary steps be taken to initiate exemplary action against those responsible,” he said.
CM Majhi has reportedly ordered the transfer of two senior officers of the district, Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and SP Vinit Agrawal.
As per the order, Khurda Collector Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new Puri Collector, and STF DIG Pinak Mishra will serve as the in-charge SP of the district.
Majhi also ordered the suspension of DCP Bishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi for negligence in performing their duties.
The Chief Minister also chaired meetings with senior officials to monitor relief measures and accountability.
Majhi has also announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh each to the kin of the deceased devotees.
