What Actions Did the Odisha Government Take Against Police Officers After the Puri Stampede?
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Synopsis
The Odisha government has taken decisive action following a deadly stampede at the Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra, ordering disciplinary measures against police officers and blacklisting a technology vendor. Discover the implications of these findings and the government's commitment to accountability.
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha government has ordered action against seven police officers.
- A private technology vendor has been blacklisted for service failures.
- The stampede at the Gundicha Temple resulted in three fatalities.
- Significant lapses in crowd management were identified.
- Effective measures are being taken to prevent future incidents.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 8 (NationPress) The Odisha government has mandated disciplinary action against seven police officers and has opted to blacklist a private technology company following an investigation into the tragic stampede on June 29 near the Gundicha Temple in Puri during the Rath Yatra. This incident resulted in three fatalities and numerous injuries.
According to an official notice from the Home (Special Section) Department, the government has acknowledged the results of an inquiry led by the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (Planning & Coordination), which identified severe lapses in police oversight, inadequate collaboration with temple authorities, and the failure of the AI-driven Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).
The negligent officers include Ajay Kumar Padhi, Commandant, OSAP 3rd Battalion, Koraput; Vishnu Prasad Pati, DCP (HQ), Bhubaneswar–Cuttack; Tapas Ranjan Das, Commandant, SSMSV, Puri; K.K. Nayak, Deputy Commandant, SSMSV, Puri; Prasanta Kumar Sahoo, DSP City, Puri; Susanta Kumar Sahoo, IIC, Kumbharapada Police Station; and Sarada Prasad Dash, Commandant, OSAP 8th Battalion, Chatrapur.
The inquiry revealed that the two senior officers responsible for crowd management—Padhi and Pati—were absent during critical moments and did not supervise the large crowd effectively. Both officers are already under suspension, and the DGP has been instructed to initiate proceedings against them under Rule 15 of the Odisha Civil Services (CCA) Rules, 1962.
The report highlighted a lack of coordination with Sevayats and the temple administration, insufficient communication regarding ritual delays, and a failure to manage the escalating crowd. The passage of a vehicle carrying chariot ropes through a densely populated area is believed to have triggered the stampede.
Additionally, serious shortcomings were uncovered in the ICCC's operations. Out of 275 installed CCTV cameras, only 123-232 were functional, many were misaligned, and the AI-based systems for crowd density and facial recognition did not operate effectively. Drones, while available, were not utilized properly for real-time monitoring.
The government has decided to blacklist M/s Invent Grid India Pvt Ltd, the ICCC vendor, for not providing the required services. Disciplinary measures have also been recommended against Commandant Sarada Prasad Dash, who was responsible for the ICCC, due to his failure to alert authorities despite visible congestion on live feeds.
The DGP has been directed to prepare an action-taken report for the Home Department. Following the incident, the Puri SP was transferred as an immediate administrative action.
Point of View
The Odisha government's actions reflect the necessity for accountability in law enforcement and public safety. The tragic events underline the importance of effective crowd management and proper coordination between agencies during large gatherings. The move to blacklist the vendor and discipline the officers is a crucial step toward ensuring such incidents do not reoccur.
NationPress
08/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the Puri stampede?
The stampede was reportedly triggered when a vehicle carrying chariot ropes passed through a densely packed area, leading to panic among the crowd.
What actions were taken against the police officers?
The Odisha government has ordered disciplinary action against seven police officers who were found negligent in their duties during the stampede.
Why was the technology vendor blacklisted?
The vendor, M/s Invent Grid India Pvt Ltd, was blacklisted for failing to provide the necessary services required for effective crowd management.
What were the findings of the inquiry?
The inquiry revealed serious lapses in police supervision, poor coordination with the temple administration, and deficiencies in the operation of the Integrated Command and Control Centre.
What further actions are expected from the DGP?
The DGP has been directed to submit an action-taken report to the Home Department, outlining the steps taken following the inquiry's findings.
