Tragic Stampede at Puri Rath Yatra Claims Three Lives

Incident Overview
A tragic stampede occurred this morning (June 28, 2025) during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha, resulting in the deaths of three devotees and injuries to ten others. Among the deceased are two women. The incident took place near the Gundicha Temple, where the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra had paused for the devotees to witness.
What Caused the Stampede?
The unfortunate event unfolded around 4:30 AM near the Gundicha Temple. Reports indicate that the three chariots carrying the deities arrived at a location crowded with devotees eagerly awaiting their darshan. Initial reports suggest that the stampede was triggered when some devotees suddenly fell, leading to chaos as the crowd became too dense for individuals to maintain their balance.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses have revealed a concerning detail: a truck entered the area where the devotees were gathered. This truck was reportedly there to remove palm fronds placed near the chariots. The truck's presence caused panic among the devotees, escalating the situation into a full-blown stampede. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives at the scene, including two women, Prabhati Das and Basanti Sahu, along with 70-year-old Premakant Mohanty. All three hailed from Khurda district and had come to Puri for the Rath Yatra.
Response from Authorities
Upon receiving news of the incident, Puri's Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, along with the district collector and Superintendent of Police (SP), promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and oversee rescue operations. A police officer present during the stampede informed reporters that the crowd was substantial. After the 'Puhuda' (formal conclusion of the deities' darshan), a large number of devotees surged forward, leading to the unfortunate incident where the deceased were seated at the time.
Concerns Over Crowd Control
Local media reports indicate that the police arrangements to manage the crowd were inadequate. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. Puri SP Vineet Agarwal has refuted claims from devotees alleging that police presence was lacking during the incident. Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain addressed the media, stating, 'After the formal conclusion of the darshan, when the deities' viewing began early in the morning, a large number of devotees rushed towards the area. Approximately nine individuals complained of breathing difficulties and were evacuated to the hospital. So far, three devotees have been confirmed dead, while six others are receiving treatment in the hospital. The post-mortem of the deceased is underway.' The Odisha government has ordered a thorough investigation into the entire incident.