Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi suspended two senior police officers on Sunday following a fatal stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra that claimed three lives. Puri DCP Bishnu Charan Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi were removed from their posts hours after the pre-dawn incident near Gundicha Temple, where devotees had gathered to witness the unveiling of deities on chariots.
Majhi expressed profound grief over the tragedy, attributing it to “jostling and chaos” caused by overwhelming crowds. In a post on X, he stated: “Due to the intense eagerness among devotees to have a glimpse of Mahaprabhu… an unfortunate incident occurred. Personally, my government and I seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees.” He extended condolences to victims’ families and prayed for their strength.
The CM also ordered the immediate transfer of Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and SP Vineet Agrawal. A formal investigation into security lapses has been initiated, with Majhi vowing further action against responsible parties. Odisha DGP YB Khurania confirmed the probe into the stampede, which occurred around 4 am Sunday.
According to PTI, this year’s yatra – which began Friday – drew unusually large crowds. Preliminary reports indicate chaos erupted when two trucks carrying ritual materials entered the packed area near the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Shubhadra.
The annual ritual sees devotees pull the deities’ chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, where they remain for a week before returning.