Puri Stampede: Odisha CM Apologises, Promises Stern Action

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued a public apology following a tragic stampede near the Gundicha temple in Puri early Sunday morning, which claimed the lives of three devotees and left several others injured. The incident cast a shadow over the otherwise grand Rath Yatra celebrations.

In an official statement, the Chief Minister expressed deep regret and sorrow, stating, “My government and I seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We express our condolences to the families of those devotees whose lives were lost at Sharadhabali and pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to bear this profound sorrow.”

Calling the tragedy a result of “unforgivable negligence,” Majhi announced that an immediate investigation would be carried out to determine the lapses in security arrangements. He further assured that “exemplary action will be taken against those found responsible.”

The Incident

The stampede occurred around 4:00 AM at Sharadhabali near the Gundicha temple, where thousands had gathered for darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra after the conclusion of the Pahuda ritual.

Eyewitnesses reported that a truck carrying wooden logs entered the already congested area, where over 500 devotees were seated on plastic mats, waiting to glimpse the deities atop their chariots. As workers began unloading the logs, panic ensued due to the lack of space and poor crowd management.

In the rush that followed, several people were trampled. Many at the site also alleged a shortage of police personnel to manage the crowd effectively.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism over the administrative preparedness for handling massive crowds during the annual Rath Yatra, one of the largest religious gatherings in the country. An official inquiry is currently underway.