Odisha CM Apologises After 3 Killed In Rath Yatra Stampede, Announces Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia

Last Updated:June 29, 2025, 14:03 IST

CM Mohan Manjhi tendered an apology for the incident and pledged strict action against those responsible for the lapses in crowd control and security arrangements.

Calling the incident "unpardonable," Mohan Majhi assured that an immediate investigation would be initiated to identify the security failures.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi on Sunday sought forgiveness from devotees of Lord Jagannath after three devotees were killed and over 50 others were injured after a stampede broke out near Gundicha Temple during Rath Yatra in Puri.

He also tendered an apology on behalf of his government for the incident and pledged strict action against those responsible for the lapses in crowd control and security arrangements.

“I and my government seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We express our condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives… pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to bear this profound sorrow," Majhi said in a post on X.

Calling the incident “unpardonable," Majhi assured that an immediate investigation would be initiated to identify the security failures.

“This negligence is unpardonable. An immediate investigation into the security lapses will be conducted, and I have directed that necessary steps be taken to initiate exemplary action against those responsible," he added.

Manjhi Announces Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia

The Chief Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh each to the next of kin of the devotees who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Expressing sorrow, Manjhi assured that the state government stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

Administrative Probe Ordered Into Puri Tragedy

Majhi also chaired a meeting with his deputies to asses the situation and ordered a full-fledged administrative inquiry to determine the cause and accountability of the incident.

The investigation will be led by the Chairman of the Development Commissioner. In a major administrative shake-up, the Puri District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) have been transferred. Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new District Collector of Puri, while senior officer Pinak Mishra has been named the new SP.

In addition, disciplinary action has been taken against other officials for alleged dereliction of duty. DCP Bishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi have been suspended following preliminary findings of negligence in managing the crowd and ensuring safety.

Negligence And Lapse Somewhere, Says Law Minister

Law Minister Harichandan has described the incident as “extremely unfortunate" and said that The rituals were proceeding smoothly until the Pahandi Bije. Some devotees had sat down near the area as the pahandi was delayed. When the gates were opened, the crowd’s eagerness intensified, leading to a sudden surge and stampede-like situation.

He said that there was negligence at some level and lapse somewhere. “I have already informed the Chief Minister this morning. On behalf of the government, the CM has expressed deep regret and has apologised to the devotees," he said.

Harichandan further assured that appropriate action would be taken. “The Chief Minister has already committed to action. DGP visited the site, reviewed the situation, and has briefed the CM about the incident. The minister reiterated that a thorough investigation is underway and that the government is committed to ensuring accountability and improving safety protocols for future events.

What Happened In Puri?

The stampede took place in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Nandighosh, when it reached the Gundicha Temple around 4-5 am on Sunday, Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain said as quoted by news agency PTI.

Chaos ensued after two trucks carrying materials for rituals reportedly entered the crowded spot near the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities, officials said.

When the three chariots reached their destination, a huge crowd of devotees gathered to have darshan of the deity, which lead to the collapse of the crowd barriers. As a result, several devotees fell over each other near the wheels of the chariot.

The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital, and the condition of six people is critical, he said.

The deceased have been identified as Basanti Sahu from Bolagarh of Khorda district, Premakanti Mohanty, and Prabhati Das from Athantara village under Balianta block. The bodies have been sent for postmortem and an investigation is underway.

Political leaders across parties and civil society members have urged the government to conduct a transparent inquiry and ensure such lapses do not recur.

Eyewitnesses Claim Poor Crowd Management

A resident of Puri, who was allegedly present at the temple during the stampede, said that the crowd management was “not good". He said that a new entrance had been created for the VIPs, with the common people being asked to exit the temple from a distance. However, he claimed that people started to exit from the entrance itself, increasing the crowd there.

(With inputs from bureau, agencies)

Puri, India, India

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