Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has suspended Puri DCP Bishnu Charan Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi, and transferred the district Collector and SP, following a tragic stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra near Puri’s Gundicha Temple that claimed three lives and left over 50 injured in the early hours of Sunday, June 29, 2025.
The deceased have been identified as Basanti Sahu, Premakant Mohanty, and Pravati Das. The state government has announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for each bereaved family and ordered a high-level probe, to be completed within 30 days. The Chief Minister has publicly apologised for the incident, while opposition leaders have sharply criticised the government’s handling of the event, calling for greater accountability and safety reforms.
Chaos Amid Sacred Rituals: Eyewitnesses and Official Response
The stampede unfolded at approximately 4 am, as thousands of devotees thronged the Saradhabali area near the Gundicha Temple to witness the sacred ‘Nabajouban Darshan’—the first public appearance of the deities before the Rath Yatra.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation became perilous when two trucks carrying ritual materials attempted to enter the already congested area, triggering panic and a sudden rush among the crowd. Many devotees fell and were trampled in the chaos, with local residents and volunteers quickly stepping in to help the injured.
Medical teams and ambulances responded promptly, and all those hospitalised were discharged by Sunday evening, with officials confirming their conditions as stable.
Chief Minister Majhi, visibly moved during a press briefing, stated, “Personally, my government and I seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We express our condolences to the families of those devotees whose lives were lost at Sharadhabali and pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to bear this profound sorrow.”
Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan added, “The state government will take stern action against those responsible for the tragic incident. We are committed to ensuring such lapses do not recur in the future.”
Probe, Accountability, and Political Fallout
In the aftermath, the state government initiated swift administrative action. Apart from suspending DCP Bishnu Charan Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi for alleged lapses in crowd control, Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and Superintendent of Police Vinit Agrawal were transferred, with Chanchal Rana and Pinak Mishra appointed as their replacements.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg has been tasked with leading a high-level inquiry, with a detailed report expected within 30 days. The Odisha Police attributed the tragedy to an unprecedented turnout—estimated at 1.5 times higher than previous years—combined with traffic congestion and inadequate crowd dispersal measures.
The incident has sparked a political storm, with opposition leader Naveen Patnaik condemning the administration’s “glaring incompetence” and “callousness,” and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge calling the tragedy “inexcusable.”
Both leaders have demanded systemic reforms and better preparedness for large-scale religious events. Family members of the victims, while accepting the government’s compensation, have voiced anger and disappointment over the lack of visible police presence and the apparent breakdown in communication during the critical moments of the stampede.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heart-wrenching tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with organising mass religious gatherings in India. While the state government’s immediate response—including suspensions, transfers, and a public apology—reflects a willingness to address the crisis, genuine accountability must go beyond punitive actions.
It is imperative that authorities invest in robust crowd management protocols, enhanced training for security personnel, and transparent communication with the public. The safety and dignity of devotees must remain paramount, especially during events that hold deep spiritual significance for millions.
As we mourn alongside the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured, The Logical Indian calls for a collective commitment to learning from this tragedy. How can we, as a society, work together to ensure that devotion and safety are never at odds during our most cherished festivals?
