Odisha Government Launches Inquiry Following Puri Stampede Tragedy

A tragic stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri has led to an administrative investigation by the Odisha government, promising completion within 30 days. The incident resulted in three deaths and numerous injuries, prompting swift action from officials, including the suspension of police personnel. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep regret and announced compensation for the victims' families. The Rath Yatra festival, which began on June 27, sees the deities transported in chariots, drawing large crowds. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as trucks attempted to navigate through the gathered devotees, leading to the unfortunate incident.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2025, 11:54 IST

Investigation into Puri Stampede

Odisha's Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced on Sunday that an administrative investigation into the tragic stampede in Puri, which resulted in three fatalities and injured around 50 individuals, will be finalized within 30 days.

The unfortunate incident occurred between 4 am and 5 am when a significant number of devotees congregated near the Shree Gundicha Temple to witness the deities on their chariots arriving from the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Harichandan emphasized that the state government would take decisive action against those accountable for this incident, noting that Development Commissioner Anu Garg is tasked with submitting her findings to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

In response to the stampede, Chief Minister Majhi ordered the reassignment of Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain and Superintendent of Police Binit Agarwal. Additionally, Puri Deputy Commissioner of Police Bishnu Charan Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi were suspended.

The chief minister expressed his condolences on behalf of the Odisha government, labeling the incident as 'unpardonable' and announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased.

During the Rath Yatra, the sibling deities Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Jagannath are transported in chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, located 2.6 kilometers away, where they remain for nine days.

This year's festival commenced on June 27 and is set to conclude on July 5.

On the morning of the incident, numerous devotees had gathered at Saradha Bali near the Shree Gundicha Temple. Eyewitnesses reported that chaos ensued when two trucks loaded with wooden logs attempted to enter the area amidst the crowd.

Kishore Satapathy, the chief district medical officer in Puri, confirmed that all injured individuals were discharged from a government health facility by 8 pm on Sunday.