Odisha CM Apologises After 3 Killed In Rath Yatra Stampede, Pronounces Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia

Final Up to date:June 29, 2025, 14:03 IST

CM Mohan Manjhi tendered an apology for the incident and pledged strict motion in opposition to these answerable for the lapses in crowd management and safety preparations.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi on Sunday sought forgiveness from devotees of Lord Jagannath after three devotees have been killed and over 50 others have been injured after a stampede broke out close to Gundicha Temple throughout Rath Yatra in Puri.

He additionally tendered an apology on behalf of his authorities for the incident and pledged strict motion in opposition to these answerable for the lapses in crowd management and safety preparations.

“I and my authorities search forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We categorical our condolences to the households of devotees who misplaced their lives… pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the power to bear this profound sorrow,” Majhi stated in a publish on X.

Calling the incident “unpardonable,” Majhi assured that a direct investigation could be initiated to determine the safety failures.

“This negligence is unpardonable. A direct investigation into the safety lapses will probably be carried out, and I’ve directed that needed steps be taken to provoke exemplary motion in opposition to these accountable,” he added.

Manjhi Pronounces Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia

The Chief Minister has additionally introduced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh every to the subsequent of kin of the devotees who misplaced their lives within the tragic incident. Expressing sorrow, Manjhi assured that the state authorities stands firmly with the bereaved households throughout this troublesome time.

Administrative Probe Ordered Into Puri Tragedy

Majhi additionally chaired a gathering together with his deputies to asses the scenario and ordered a full-fledged administrative inquiry to find out the trigger and accountability of the incident.

The investigation will probably be led by the Chairman of the Growth Commissioner. In a serious administrative shake-up, the Puri District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) have been transferred. Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the brand new District Collector of Puri, whereas senior officer Pinak Mishra has been named the brand new SP.

As well as, disciplinary motion has been taken in opposition to different officers for alleged dereliction of responsibility. DCP Bishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi have been suspended following preliminary findings of negligence in managing the gang and making certain security.

Negligence And Lapse Someplace, Says Regulation Minister

Regulation Minister Harichandan has described the incident as “extraordinarily unlucky” and stated that The rituals have been continuing easily till the Pahandi Bije. Some devotees had sat down close to the world because the pahandi was delayed. When the gates have been opened, the gang’s eagerness intensified, resulting in a sudden surge and stampede-like scenario.

He stated that there was negligence at some degree and lapse someplace. “I’ve already knowledgeable the Chief Minister this morning. On behalf of the federal government, the CM has expressed deep remorse and has apologised to the devotees,” he stated.

Harichandan additional assured that acceptable motion could be taken. “The Chief Minister has already dedicated to motion. DGP visited the positioning, reviewed the scenario, and has briefed the CM in regards to the incident. The minister reiterated {that a} thorough investigation is underway and that the federal government is dedicated to making sure accountability and bettering security protocols for future occasions.

What Occurred In Puri?

The stampede passed off in entrance of the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Nandighosh, when it reached the Gundicha Temple round 4-5 am on Sunday, Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain stated as quoted by information company PTI.

Chaos ensued after two vehicles carrying supplies for rituals reportedly entered the crowded spot close to the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities, officers stated.

When the three chariots reached their vacation spot, an enormous crowd of devotees gathered to have darshan of the deity, which lead to the collapse of the gang boundaries. In consequence, a number of devotees fell over one another close to the wheels of the chariot.

The injured have been admitted to a close-by hospital, and the situation of six individuals is vital, he stated.

The deceased have been recognized as Basanti Sahu from Bolagarh of Khorda district, Premakanti Mohanty, and Prabhati Das from Athantara village beneath Balianta block. The our bodies have been despatched for postmortem and an investigation is underway.

Political leaders throughout events and civil society members have urged the federal government to conduct a clear inquiry and guarantee such lapses don’t recur.

Eyewitnesses Declare Poor Crowd Administration

A resident of Puri, who was allegedly current on the temple through the stampede, stated that the gang administration was “not good”. He stated {that a} new entrance had been created for the VIPs, with the widespread individuals being requested to exit the temple from a distance. Nevertheless, he claimed that individuals began to exit from the doorway itself, rising the gang there.

(With inputs from bureau, companies)

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and Worldwide information. He’s curious about everyday political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) diploma from Ben…Learn Extra

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and Worldwide information. He’s curious about everyday political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) diploma from Ben… Learn Extra

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Puri, India, India

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