Odisha CM Apologizes for Puri Temple Stampede: What Went Wrong?

Tragic Incident at Puri Temple

Puri: On Sunday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his sorrow and sought forgiveness from the devotees of Lord Jagannath following a tragic stampede that occurred near a temple in Puri, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals.

Officials reported that approximately 50 others sustained injuries during the incident, which took place close to the Shree Gundicha Temple in the early morning hours.

In a message posted on X, Majhi stated, “I and my government ask for forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to provide them with the strength to endure this immense grief.”

He further assured that an investigation into the security failures leading to the incident would be conducted, promising strict action against those responsible.

Majhi emphasized, “This negligence is unacceptable. An immediate inquiry into the security lapses will be initiated, and I have instructed that appropriate measures be taken to ensure accountability for those at fault.”

The stampede occurred around 4 am as hundreds of devotees gathered to participate in the Rath Yatra celebrations, according to officials.

The injured individuals have been taken to a nearby hospital, with six reported to be in critical condition.