Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced a financial assistance of ₹25 lakh each for the families of devotees who died in the tragic stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the incident occurred near the Gundicha Temple due to overcrowding, which claimed the lives of three devotees and left several others injured. Expressing deep grief, CM Majhi said the Rath Yatra is a symbol of Odisha’s spiritual pride and safety of devotees is of utmost importance.
The Chief Minister also ordered a high-level administrative inquiry into the mishap, to be overseen by the Development Commissioner. In response to reported lapses, he directed a major reshuffle in the district administration:
- Puri District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) have been transferred.
- Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new District Collector, and Pinak Mishra as the new SP.
- DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi have been suspended for dereliction of duty.
Earlier in the day, CM Majhi offered an apology to all devotees and sought forgiveness, acknowledging the government’s accountability in the tragedy.
“Due to the intense eagerness among devotees to glimpse Mahaprabhu at Saradhabali, a tragic incident occurred. I, along with my government, seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We stand with the bereaved families in this moment of grief,” he posted on X.
Majhi affirmed that an investigation into the security lapses will be conducted promptly and strict, exemplary action will be taken against those responsible.
The stampede occurred during the annual Rath Yatra, where massive crowds gather to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple. The revered festival began on Friday, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country and beyond.
