Tragedy Strikes Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri: 3 Dead, 50 Injured
Image Source: Deccan Herald
A devastating stampede occurred during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of three devotees and injuries to around 50 others. The incident took place near the Gundicha Temple, where hundreds of devotees had gathered to catch a glimpse of the deities atop the chariots.
The Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the chaos began when two trucks carrying materials for rituals entered a crowded stretch near the chariots, triggering panic and a stampede-like situation. The tragedy unfolded during the morning rituals known as pahada bhanga, when a sudden surge of devotees drew near the chariots.
Victims and Injuries
The deceased have been identified as Basanti Sahu from Bolagarh, Premakant Mohanty, and Pravati Das from Balipatna. Six of the injured remain in critical condition at a local hospital.
Crowd Management Criticized
Eyewitnesses criticized the crowd management, citing lapses in controlling the crowd and poor traffic arrangements. “The administration did not control the crowd properly. The biggest problem was the exit gate,” said Swadhin Kumar Panda, a resident of Puri. Another eyewitness lamented the lack of response from fire officials, rescue teams, and hospital staff during the incident.
Government Response
Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan assured that the government is taking serious steps to address the situation. “We are taking stringent action. The DGP has been sent to the spot,” he said, adding that additional police have been deployed to manage the crowd. Director General of Police Y. B. Khurania and other senior officials visited the spot to assess the situation.
Rath Yatra Continues
Despite the tragedy, the Rath Yatra continues, with the return journey, or Bahuda Yatra, scheduled for July 5. The incident has sparked concerns about crowd management and safety measures during large-scale religious movements in India.
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- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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