Gajapati King Seeks Probe Into Puri Stampede, Urges Preventive Measures

Bhubaneswar: Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, the first servitor of Lord Jagannath and Chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, has called for a prompt and comprehensive inquiry into the stampede that occurred near the Srigundicha temple in Puri. The tragic incident took place in the early hours of Sunday and claimed the lives of three devotees, while several others sustained injuries.

The stampede occurred at Saradhabali, where thousands of devotees had gathered to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on their chariots following the completion of the Pahuda ritual.

In an official statement, the Gajapati King’s office said, “Shree Gajapati Maharaj is shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the stampede last night near Srigundicha temple in which three devotees lost their lives and many others were injured.”

Expressing deep grief, the King conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers at the Lotus Feet of Lord Jagannath for the peaceful repose (Sadgati) of the departed souls.

He also appealed to the Odisha government to take immediate and effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents during the remaining days of the Rath Yatra festival.