Three people died and 10 others were injured in a stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, according to a report by NDTV. The incident took place near the Shree Gundicha Temple, about three kilometres from the Jagannath Temple, where the procession began.
NDTV reported that the stampede occurred around 4.30 am on Sunday as the three chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Shubhadra reached the Gundicha temple. A large crowd had gathered for darshan, and as the crowd grew, some people reportedly fell, triggering a stampede. Three people died on the spot. Those killed were identified as Prabhati Das, Basanti Sahu, and Premakant Mohanty, all residents of Khurda district.
According to NDTV, local media reports suggested the police arrangement for managing the crowd at the site was inadequate. Some of the injured were said to be in critical condition.
Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain told NDTV that the bodies had been sent for post-mortem, which would confirm the exact cause of death. He said security arrangements were in place, but the crowd became uncontrollable at one point.
The Rath Yatra involves pulling three large chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Shubhadra from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha Temple. The deities remain there for a week before returning.
A political row has emerged over the delay in starting the Rath Yatra, NDTV reported. Former Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik referred to the situation as a “terrible mess”. He said, “All we can do is pray. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath forgive all those responsible for the terrible mess that has overshadowed this divine festival this year.”
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, without naming Mr Patnaik, criticised the BJD, saying the party was making political statements. He said, as quoted by NDTV, “In the past, the BJD government made mistakes and insulted Lord Jagannath. Since 1977, the chariots have always reached the Gundicha Temple on the second day.”
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