Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a major administrative reshuffle after a stampede near Sri Gundicha temple in Puri on Sunday. Three people were killed and around 50 people were injured in this stampede.
Due to several important chariot journey programs coming near, the Chief Minister has re -deployed experienced IAS and IPS officers to ensure better coordination and public safety.
An official said that under a decisive step, ADG (Police Modernization) SK Priyadarshi has been given the overall charge of police system for Rath Yatra and related rituals, besides his existing responsibilities.
Senior bureaucrat Shashwat Mishra has been appointed as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, strengthening the top administrative structure, the post was vacant since Nikunj Dhal went on central deputation.
Mishra will also remain the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department and the President of the IDCO. The Chief Minister has appointed former Puri Collector Arvind Aggarwal as the overall in -charge of the Rath Yatra.
Administrative action was taken at a rapid pace after the stampede incident spread across the country. In a few hours, Puri Collector Siddharth Shekhar Swain and Puri SP Vineet Aggarwal were removed from his posts.
Additionally, DCP Vishnu husband and commandant Ajay Padhi has been suspended from service.
DIG STF Pinak Mishra has been appointed as the new SP of Puri. Despite promotion to DIG rank, Mishra has been instructed to act as SP during the visit, as his role is important. Sources have confirmed that they took charge within a few hours of the transfer order.
To ensure complete transparency, Majhi has ordered an administrative inquiry into the incident, which will be operated by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, who is a senior officer and is known for her firm administrative approach.
The purpose of the investigation is to find out the flaws and recommend corrective measures.
Some of the most important programs are the most important programs – Sandhya Darshan (evening philosophy), Bahuda Yatra (return chariot festival) on 5 July, Suna Besa (the gods gold dress on chariots) and Neeladeeri Bije on 8 July (return to the main temple of the gods).
Millions of devotees come to these events, and the most people are expected to come to Sun Besa. A temple official said, “More than 1.5 million people can come to Suna Besa this year.”