Tragedy Strikes Near Lord Jagannath’s Chariot

 In a heartbreaking incident during the Rath Yatra festivities, a stampede occurred early this morning near Lord Jagannath’s chariot, leading to the deaths of three devotees and injuries to over 50 others. The tragedy unfolded amid an overwhelming rush of devotees eager for darshan, resulting in a chaotic and uncontrollable situation.

Public Outcry Over Security Failure

The incident has sparked widespread concern and criticism over the lack of effective crowd management. Despite the presence of large numbers of police officers, questions are being raised about how such a devastating situation could occur. Many are asking: Where was the coordination? Why wasn’t the crowd guided or dispersed properly?

Eyewitness Accounts Point to Administrative Negligence

According to multiple eyewitnesses, administrative failures played a major role in the incident. Some reported that a truck carrying wooden logs made its way into the dense crowd, triggering panic and a resulting stampede. At the time, no police or security officials were seen managing the situation. There were also no barricades, planned exit routes, or public announcements following the chariot’s halt, all of which could have prevented the chaos.

Another eyewitness highlighted that rain-drenched polythene sheets laid out on the Sharadhabali field had torn and become slippery. This caused several devotees to fall, leading to a crushing pile-up.

A Family’s Devastation and Anger

One of the victims was a woman from Gobardhanpur in Bolgarh. Her grieving husband has publicly blamed the authorities for her death, stating that no ambulance or medical support arrived in time. He further alleged that police ignored their calls for help and fled the scene. “My wife could have been saved if the administration had acted responsibly,” he said, holding the system directly accountable for her death.

Mounting Questions for Officials

The tragedy has left the public demanding answers:

• Why was crowd movement not regulated after the chariot stopped?

• Where were the announcements or evacuation plans?

• Why did the police fail to act during the stampede?

Authorities Respond to Allegations

In response to growing criticism, Puri SP denied claims of absent security personnel, stating that police were deployed around the chariot. Meanwhile, Director General of Police YB Khurania shifted partial blame onto the devotees themselves, saying their mobile photography was disrupting movement and causing congestion. He urged the public to follow police instructions and confirmed that a formal inquiry is underway.

Government Promises Action

The Law Minister has briefed the Chief Minister about the incident. The CM has expressed deep sorrow and called the incident “inexcusable negligence.” He assured that strict actions will be taken following the investigation.

Opposition Leader Condemns Administration

Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, strongly criticized the state government for its failure to manage the crowd. In a post on ‘X,’ he offered condolences to the bereaved families and condemned what he called a complete breakdown of administrative responsibility. He dismissed the justification given for delays in hoisting the Nandighosh chariot, calling it an unacceptable excuse.

Naveen has demanded immediate corrective steps to ensure safety during the upcoming Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha events.

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