Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Sunday that three people were killed and at least six people were injured near Gundicha temple during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri.
Odisha Minister Harichandan said, “This is an unfortunate incident. We are taking cognizance of this. I spoke to CM this morning. We are taking strict action. The DGP has been sent to the spot.”
Harichandan said, “Three people have died in a large crowd. Six to seven people are injured. I am going to Puri. I am keeping an eye on the situation on the phone. We are trying our best to control the crowd. Additional police force has been deployed. The causes of the incident are being investigated.”
He said, “The situation is now under control and people are darshan.” He said that the DGP of the state has been sent to the spot. The accident happened this morning. A day after the commencement of the Rath Yatra, Rath Saradha reached Bali from Jagannath temple on Saturday. The minister said, “The situation is being monitored.” He said that he himself is going to Puri and strict action will be taken against the responsible people. Harichandan further said, “About 6-7 people were injured and they are fine now.”
Meanwhile, BJD chief and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have expressed condolences to the families of three devotees who lost their lives in the tragic stampede in Saradhabali. He posted on X, “I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath for the early recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident.”
He wrote, “Today’s stampede, during the Rath Yatra, took place just a day after the gross failure of the mob management in which hundreds of people were injured, it highlights the government’s clear disability.”
The former Chief Minister said, “Eyewitnesses said that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the relatives of the devotees, while there was no government machinery to handle the growing crowd, which exposes a shocking omission in duty. The excessive delay in pulling the Nandighosh chariot on the day of the chariot journey was described as a” desire “, which is said to be a” Mahaprabhu’s desire “, which is a shocked. Responsibilities hide completely to exhale. Although I avoid accusing the government of criminal negligence, their gross negligence has undoubtedly contributed to this tragedy.
