What Led to the Tragic Stampede During Puri's Rath Yatra? An In-Depth Inquiry Begins
Investigation Launched Following Puri Stampede
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede in Puri that resulted in three fatalities and left 50 individuals injured, Odisha's Development Commissioner, Anu Garg, has initiated an administrative investigation into the incident. Garg, who also serves as the Additional Chief Secretary, is tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the stampede that occurred near the Shree Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra festivities.
During her visit to the site of the tragedy, Garg stated, "I have inspected the location where the stampede occurred on Sunday morning and have engaged in discussions with those involved. I have been granted a 30-day period to conduct this inquiry."
She emphasized her commitment to understanding the factors that led to this unfortunate event and exploring additional measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In addition to assessing the scene, Garg held preliminary discussions with Arabinda Padhee, the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, who oversees various aspects of the Rath Yatra, including its rituals.
Garg also consulted with the Puri District Collector and Superintendent of Police, as well as police officers, Jagannath Temple Police personnel, senior servitors, and members of the media.
Following her initial visit, sources indicated that Garg would continue her inquiry after the conclusion of the Rath Yatra festival on July 8, with plans to submit her findings to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi within a month.
In response to the incident, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced that the government has already transferred the Puri Collector and SP, and suspended two police officers for negligence. He assured that actions would be taken based on the inquiry's findings.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has dismissed the government's decision to conduct an administrative inquiry, calling for a judicial investigation led by the Puri District Judge.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has held the state government accountable for the chaos and the stampede, demanding the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Parvathi Parida, who was overseeing the Rath Yatra arrangements, as well as Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan. The Jagannath Temple falls under the jurisdiction of the Law Department.
At a press conference, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty criticized the lack of administrative and police presence during the stampede, despite records indicating that 22 platoons, totaling 660 police personnel, were deployed near the temple.
"The state government bears full responsibility for the loss of three lives and the injuries sustained by over 50 individuals in the stampede. The government only acted after BJD president Naveen Patnaik's intervention, hastily changing the District Magistrate and SP to deflect blame," Mohanty alleged.
The BJD also questioned the effectiveness of the numerous AI and CCTV cameras installed for monitoring the Rath Yatra, asking why they were not utilized during the crisis. They urged the government to provide insurance coverage for all devotees attending the Rath Yatra in the future.