Odisha Government reshuffles top officials in Puri following stampede tragedy

Bhubaneswar, June 29: Following the tragic stampede near the Gundicha Temple in Puri, the Odisha government has initiated a major administrative reshuffle. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday at Saradhabali, claimed the lives of three devotees and left at least six others injured.

In a swift response, the state government has transferred both the Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Puri. Chanchal Rana, IAS, who was serving as Collector and District Magistrate of Khurda, has been appointed as the new Collector and District Magistrate of Puri.

Meanwhile, Siddharth Shankar Swain, who previously held the post in Puri, has been reassigned as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the General Administration and Public Grievance Department. His new role is equivalent in rank to that of an Additional Secretary in the state IAS cadre.

In the police department, SP Vinit Agrawal has been replaced by senior IPS officer Pinak Mishra, who takes over the role in the rank of DIGP. Agrawal has been posted as OSD at the State Police Headquarters. The Home Department issued formal orders regarding the changes.