What was meant to be a deeply spiritual and joyous occasion turned tragic this year as the annual Rath Yatra in Puri witnessed major lapses in crowd control, resulting in three deaths and injuries to over 700 devotees. The breakdown of administrative control during one of Odisha’s most significant religious events has sparked widespread criticism and concern.
Stampede-Like Situation on Day One
The festival began with massive footfall, as lakhs of devotees gathered to pull the chariots of the deities. But just a short distance into the procession, Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosh chariot came to a halt due to uncontrolled crowd pressure. The situation quickly spiraled into panic, with a stampede-like effect causing casualties. Hospitals in Puri admitted nearly 700 injured people by the end of the day.
Despite high-level preparations and months of planning, the administration failed to manage the crowd effectively. Traffic congestion around Puri made matters worse, with vehicles stuck for hours, adding to the chaos and delaying emergency services.
Chief Minister Calls It ‘Unforgivable’; Action Taken
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi termed the lapses “unforgivable” and publicly apologized for the tragedy. In the immediate aftermath, several district-level officers were transferred or suspended. However, the lack of action against senior officials has raised eyebrows.
While lower-level officers have been penalized, senior IPS officials who oversaw security, traffic, and command centre operations have not faced consequences, leading to accusations that junior officers are being made scapegoats.
Top-Level Review Meeting in Puri
To control the damage and prevent further incidents during the remaining rituals—Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha—the Chief Minister visited Puri for an emergency review. Present at the meeting were Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Puri MP Sambit Patra, and senior police officials.
The discussions also included servitors of the Jagannath Temple, many of whom raised concerns over mismanagement and disrespect by certain temple authorities. Law Minister Harichandan dismissed some of the claims but assured grievances would be addressed.
Promise of Zero Casualty vs Reality
Earlier promises made by the state government, including a “zero-casualty Rath Yatra” and a high-tech command centre, now seem hollow. DGP Y.B. Khurania had arrived in Puri four days ahead of the festival with a dedicated team, but even then, the system collapsed.
Critics have pointed to the inexperience of several officers, many of whom are non-Odias and unfamiliar with the intricate cultural logistics of Rath Yatra. The role of senior officers, especially those above district SP Vineet Agrawal, has come under fire, yet no punitive action has followed.
Political Reactions: Congress Demands Judicial Inquiry
While the Congress has sharply criticised the handling of the event, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has maintained a conspicuous silence. State Congress President Bhakta Charan Das rejected the state government’s probe led by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, terming it inadequate and biased. Das demanded a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting judge, stating that internal committees cannot impartially investigate their own leadership.
Anu Garg, however, visited the mishap site and interacted with stakeholders. She has been tasked with submitting a detailed report within a month.
A Blow to Odisha’s Cultural Identity
The Rath Yatra is not merely a festival but a cornerstone of Odisha’s cultural and spiritual identity. This year’s mismanagement has deeply hurt the emotions of devotees and cast a shadow over the image of the state administration. With more rituals upcoming, pressure is mounting on the government to ensure no further lapses occur.
Odisha Awaits Accountability
As investigations continue, the people of Odisha await answers. Who will be held responsible for the loss of lives and the breakdown in administration? Will the state take meaningful steps to prevent such tragedies in future?
For millions of Jagannath devotees, these are not just administrative questions—they strike at the heart of faith and tradition.