What Happened During the Puri Stampede? Odisha Govt Promises Full Investigation
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident at the Gundicha temple in Puri, three devotees lost their lives during a stampede. The Odisha government has announced a thorough investigation amidst growing criticism regarding security measures. Discover the details of this devastating event and the responses from officials and the community.
Key Takeaways
- Three devotees died during a stampede at the Gundicha temple in Puri.
- Odisha government has promised a thorough investigation.
- Survivors claimed insufficient police presence during the incident.
- The chaos was triggered by a truck entering the crowd area.
- Condolences have been expressed to the victims' families.
Bhubaneswar, June 29 (NationPress) Following the tragic loss of three lives and numerous injuries during a stampede at Saradhabali near the Gundicha temple in Puri on Sunday, the Odisha government has pledged to carry out a comprehensive investigation.
The incident transpired in the early hours between 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Eyewitness accounts indicated that a truck entered the area where devotees were congregated, eagerly awaiting the 'darshan' of the revered siblings. The truck reportedly arrived to remove palm logs positioned near the chariots, causing a panic that escalated into a stampede.
Survivors claimed that there was an absence of police or district administration officials during the chaos.
Upon notification, Puri's Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania, along with the District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP), quickly arrived on the scene.
A police officer present during the stampede relayed to reporters that there was an overwhelming crowd. Following the 'Pahuda' (ceremonial conclusion of Darshan of deities), devotees surged en masse. Those who perished were reportedly seated at the location when the disaster struck.
Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain informed the media, “After the ceremonial closure of Darshan, when the deities' darshan commenced early morning, a vast number of devotees surged toward the cordon. Approximately nine individuals reported breathlessness. They were promptly evacuated and transported to the hospital. Currently, three deceased devotees have been confirmed, while six others are receiving medical care. The post-mortem examinations of the deceased are ongoing.”
Puri SP Vinit Agrawal refuted claims made by devotees alleging that police presence was lacking during the incident.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan expressed sorrow over the unfortunate deaths of the devotees and extended his condolences to their families. He assured that a thorough inquiry would be conducted regarding the incident, and appropriate actions would be taken against those culpable.
The deceased have been identified as Pravati Das, Premkant Mohanty, and Basanti Sahoo.
Point of View
It’s crucial to emphasize the importance of safety during religious gatherings. The tragedy at Puri raises significant concerns regarding the adequacy of security measures in place. This incident not only calls for a thorough inquiry but also highlights the need for improved crowd management strategies to prevent such heartbreaking occurrences in the future.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the stampede at the Gundicha temple?
The stampede was triggered when a truck entered the gathering area, leading to panic among devotees awaiting darshan.
How many people were affected by the stampede?
Three people lost their lives, and several others were injured, with six currently receiving medical treatment.
What has the Odisha government promised?
The Odisha government has assured a complete investigation into the incident and will take appropriate action against those responsible.
Who were the victims of the stampede?
The deceased have been identified as Pravati Das, Premkant Mohanty, and Basanti Sahoo.
What is the reaction from officials regarding the incident?
Officials, including the Law Minister, have expressed their condolences and assured that a full investigation will occur.
