Puri: The stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during Rath Yatra that left hundreds injured, has exposed the Mohan Mjahi government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patanik posted on X on Sunday.
“Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees’ relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty. The inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was conveniently attributed to “Mahaprabhu’s wish”, a shocking excuse that masks the administration’s complete abdication of responsibility. While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy. I urge the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key Rath Yatra rituals,” he added.
Senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik also blamed administrative negligence for the incident.
The Tragic Incident
Three devotees, including two women, were killed and six others were injured early Sunday morning in a stampede at Saradhabali near Gundicha Temple in Puri. The incident occurred at around 4.20 am when two trucks loaded with Charamala wood (considered sacred) entered the Saradhabali area, which saw a sudden surge in devotees, trying to catch a glimpse of the deities on the chariots as the ‘pahada’ ritual was about to begin. In the ensuing melee, three devotees were killed and several others suffered injuries.
Eyewitnesses alleged there were no adequate police arrangements or officials on-site to manage the swelling number of pilgrims.
“When this incident happened, no one responded, neither the fire officials, nor the rescue team, nor the hospital team. I cried for help, but cops ran away, didn’t provide even a drop of water… For administrative officials, we are like a herd of sheep and goats. Why was a truck allowed to enter the place where there were 50,000 devotees? This is a pathetic incident that cannot be expressed…,” a man, who lost his wife in the stampede told the media.
Govt’s Response
Director general of police (DGP) Y B Khurania, who visited the spot along with other senior police officers, said: “Corrective measures are being taken to ensure the safety of devotees. I would like to request all devotees to follow the police direction at various points and cooperate with authorities, particularly avoiding taking pictures on mobile phones that can create problems.”
Meanwhile, RTI activist Jayanta Das has moved the NHRC, seeking an inquiry into the incident.
