Three devotees killed, dozens injured in Puri stampede near Gundicha Temple
Editor
Bhubaneswar, June 29: In a tragic turn of events during the Rath Yatra celebrations, three devotees lost their lives and over 50 others sustained injuries in a stampede at Saradhabali near the Sri Gundicha Temple in Puri around 4:00 AM on Sunday.
The victims have been identified as 36-year-old Basanti Sahu from Bolagarh in Nayagarh, Premakant Mohanty from Bhubaneswar, and Pravati Das from Balipatna in Khurdha district.
The stampede reportedly occurred shortly after the ‘Pahuda’ ritual concluded and the darshan of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on the chariots resumed. A massive crowd had gathered during the early morning hours, creating a densely packed area where devotees were seated on plastic mats.
Eyewitnesses stated that the situation escalated when a truck carrying Charamala wood unexpectedly entered the crowd. The sudden intrusion sparked panic, leading to a stampede-like situation that left many injured in the chaos.
Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan expressed deep sorrow and confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been informed, while DGP YB Khurania visited the site, reviewed the incident, and deployed senior officers to manage the aftermath.
