Odisha Chief Minister Apologizes for Tragic Stampede at Jagannath Temple

Tragic Incident at Jagannath Temple

On Sunday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi expressed his heartfelt apologies to the devotees of Lord Jagannath following a stampede near a temple in Puri. This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of at least three lives.

According to officials, the stampede occurred early Sunday morning close to the Sri Gundicha Temple, injuring approximately 50 others.

Majhi took to social media platform ‘X’ to convey, “My government and I extend our apologies to all Jagannath devotees. We express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede... We pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to endure this sorrow.”

He further stated that an investigation into the security lapse would be conducted, and strict action would be taken against those found responsible. Majhi emphasized, “This negligence is inexcusable. An immediate inquiry into the security breach will be initiated, and I have directed that necessary steps be taken to initiate strict action against those accountable for the incident.”

Officials reported that the incident took place around 4 AM when hundreds of devotees gathered to witness the Rath Yatra festival. The injured individuals have been admitted to a nearby hospital, with six in critical condition.