Puri: In a tragic incident, a devotee from Kataka reportedly died after fell ill near the chariot of Devi Subhadra during the Bahuda Yatra in Odisha’s Puri on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Abhiram Das, aged around 57 years, of Cuttack.
According to information, the devotee reportedly complained of breathlessness and fainted amid the massive crowd while pulling the ‘Darpadalan’ chariot of Devi Subhadra.
He was immediately rushed to hospital by volunteers and security personnel. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police said Abhiram Das suffered suffocation due to the heavy rush on the Bada Danda. His body has been kept for post-mortem and family members have been informed.
Sources said some other devotees also fell sick and were hospitalised. They are undergoing treatment.
It may be noted that on July 16 during chariot pulling on Sri Gundicha Day, three devotees had died due to suffocation.
Authorities have urged devotees to stay hydrated and seek medical help immediately if they feel unwell amid the heavy crowd during the festivities.
