In the aftermath of a tragic stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, the state government has taken swift action, suspending the Puri District Collector (DCP) and Police Commandant. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, June 29, 2025, near the Shree Gundicha Temple, resulted in the deaths of three devotees and injuries to dozens more.
The suspended officials are DCP Vishnu Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi. Their suspension comes as a direct consequence of alleged negligence in the execution of their duties related to crowd control during the Rath Yatra festivities.
In addition to the suspensions, the government has also transferred Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and Superintendent of Police (SP) Binit Agarwal. Khurda District Collector Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new collector of Puri, and IPS officer Pinak Mishra will take over as the new SP.
The stampede occurred early Sunday morning, around 4:00 AM, as large crowds of devotees gathered near the Gundicha Temple for darshan (viewing of the deity). The incident reportedly happened when two trucks carrying ritual materials entered the already congested area near the chariots, triggering panic and a stampede-like situation. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene with inadequate police presence and hazardous conditions.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered a personal apology on behalf of the government. He termed the security lapses that led to the tragedy as "unpardonable" and assured that exemplary action would be taken against those responsible.
The Chief Minister has also announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Furthermore, the government has ordered a comprehensive administrative inquiry into the incident, to be conducted under the supervision of the Development Commissioner. The Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania has also initiated a separate investigation into the stampede.
The annual Rath Yatra, which commenced on Friday, June 27, 2025, attracts a massive number of devotees from across the world. The festival involves the procession of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra on three massive, wooden chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for a week before returning. The close placement of the chariots is believed to have aggravated the situation, ultimately leading to the stampede. Darshan of the deities on the chariots is considered especially auspicious.
The tragic incident has drawn sharp criticism, with former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik blaming the government's "glaring incompetence" in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees. Opposition leaders have echoed these concerns, calling for accountability and improved crowd management measures.
The Rath Yatra is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, and the Puri event is renowned worldwide. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in managing large crowds and the importance of robust safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
