What Actions Did Odisha Government Take After the Puri Rath Yatra Stampede?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Government's swift response to the Puri stampede highlights accountability in governance. As families mourn their losses, the state prioritizes safety and oversight to prevent future tragedies. Discover the actions taken by officials and the emotional toll on the community in this detailed report.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action taken against negligent officials
- Financial assistance offered to victims' families
- Investigation ordered to ensure accountability
- Importance of safety in public events highlighted
- Emotional impact on the community recognized
Bhubaneswar, June 29 (NationPress) Following the tragic stampede in Puri that resulted in the loss of three lives, the Odisha Government has taken decisive action. On Sunday, it dismissed Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal, with two other senior police officials also facing suspension.
The government has appointed Chanchal Rana, the Collector of Khordha, and Pinak Mishra, the DIGP of the Special Task Force (STF), as the new Puri Collector and SP, respectively, as reported by the Chief Minister’s Office after a high-level meeting.
Additionally, DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhee have been suspended for their negligence during the incident.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakhs for the families of the deceased pilgrims.
An administrative inquiry has been ordered by the Odisha Government to investigate the unfortunate incident, which will be supervised by Development Commissioner Anu Garg.
CM Majhi stated, “The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath represents the pride and dignity of the Odia people. Any form of negligence, no matter how minor, will not be acceptable. We will take strict actions against those responsible.”
In a significant development, the government has also entrusted Arvind Agrawal, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department, with the overall management of the Car Festival in Puri.
In light of the stampede that tragically took the lives of three devotees, CM Majhi expressed his apologies to the followers of Lord Jagannath and has initiated an immediate probe into the security shortcomings.
“On behalf of myself and my government, I sincerely apologize to all Jagannath devotees,” CM Majhi conveyed through his official X account.
He further extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the stampede that occurred at Saradhabali near Gundicha Temple and prayed for strength for the bereaved.
The stampede took place in the early hours, between 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. The victims have been identified as Pravati Das, Premkant Mohanty, and Basanti Sahoo.
Point of View
The tragic events surrounding the Puri Rath Yatra stampede underline the critical importance of effective crowd management and safety measures at public events. The swift action taken by the Odisha Government reflects a commitment to accountability and a desire to reassure the public regarding their safety during significant cultural gatherings.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Puri Rath Yatra stampede?
The exact cause is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest a lack of proper crowd control measures during the event.
What actions were taken against the officials?
The Odisha Government has suspended several officials, including the Puri District Collector and Superintendent of Police, for negligence.
Is there any compensation for the victims' families?
Yes, the Odisha Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakhs for the families of the deceased.
What is the government doing to prevent future incidents?
An administrative inquiry has been ordered to investigate the lapses, and measures will be implemented to enhance safety and security.
Who were the victims of the stampede?
The victims have been identified as Pravati Das, Premkant Mohanty, and Basanti Sahoo.
