Puri Stampede: Odisha govt cracks whip, transfers Collector and SP; ex-gratia announced

A stampede at Saradhabali near the Gundicha Temple in Puri claimed the lives of three devotees and left more than 50 others injured in the early hours of Sunday. The incident occurred around 4:20 am when a massive crowd surged for darshan of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings after the 'Pahuda' completed at 3:45 AM.

Eyewitnesses said panic broke out when two trucks carrying ‘charamala’ entered the crowded area, triggering a chaos.

The deceased have been identified as Prabhati Das, Basanti Sahu, and Premakanta Mohanty.

Witnesses also alleged that there was no police presence at the spot to control the crowd, raising serious concerns over security arrangements at such crucial and important festivals where lakhs of devotees congregate.

New Update
Jun 29, 2025 15:10 IST

The stampede incident during the Rath Yatra in Puri is extremely tragic: LoP Rahul Gandhi

Jun 29, 2025 13:58 IST

Odisha govt cracks whip, transfers Collector and SP; ex-gratia announced

In the wake of the tragic stampede that led to the death of three devotees near Gundicha temple during the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office has announced a series of swift and decisive actions, including financial compensation, administrative inquiry, and major personnel changes at the district level. Read more...

Jun 29, 2025 13:08 IST

Even though I am a sevayat here, I failed to find the exit route due to so many barricades...

Jun 29, 2025 12:55 IST

It's an unfortunate incident: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan

Jun 29, 2025 12:54 IST

10 questions unanswered of tragic stampede

In the aftermath of the tragic stampede at Saradhabali near the Gundicha Temple in Puri, which claimed the lives of three devotees and left over 50 injured, serious questions have emerged regarding the preparedness and accountability of the district administration and police. Read more...

Jun 29, 2025 12:52 IST

Odisha CM apologies to Jagannath devotees, orders action after probe

In the wake of the tragic stampede at Puri during the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep sorrow and offered a heartfelt apology to the Lord Jagannath devotees for the unfortunate incident. Read more...

Jun 29, 2025 12:51 IST

I and my government seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees: CM Mohan Majhi

Jun 29, 2025 11:19 IST

BJP National Vice-President Baijayant Panda condoles death of devotees in stampede

Jun 29, 2025 10:52 IST

Who is to be blamed for deaths of Lord Jagannath devotees near Gundicha Temple?

A devotee, who lost one of her relatives in the stampede, said, “Our happiness turned tragic because of the lack of proper measures being taken by the administration. There were no police present during the stampede. People helped each other to save lives, but unfortunately, I lost my sister in law in the mishap.” Read more...

Jun 29, 2025 10:36 IST

Police ran away and did not offer a single drop of water, alleges husband of deceased

“We cried for help, ambulance and asked for water. But police personnel did not offer even a single drop. There was massive crowd at the spot when the stampede occurred.” Read more...

Jun 29, 2025 10:20 IST

Minister to officials, who said what on mishap near Gundicha Temple

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Sunday as thousands of devotees thronged the area for darshan of the Holy Trinity on the chariots, which are stationed near Gundicha temple. 

Amid mounting public outrage and serious questions over crowd management, ministers and officials have responded, promising swift action and an investigation into the lapses that may have led to the disaster. Read more...

Jun 29, 2025 10:07 IST

I lost my wife today due to administrative failure: Khordha resident in Puri

Jun 29, 2025 09:50 IST

After 'Pahuda', people gathered in huge numbers: Cop in Puri

Jun 29, 2025 09:49 IST

Devotees complained of breathlessness and were immediately shifted to the hospital: Puri Collector

Jun 29, 2025 09:48 IST

There was police deployment and details will be shared after investigation: Puri SP

Jun 29, 2025 09:47 IST

3 devotees killed, over 50 injured in mishap near Gundicha Temple

At least three devotees were killed and over 50 injured in a stampede at Saradhabali near Gundicha Temple in Puri, in the early hours of Sunday, where the three chariots with the Holy Trinity onboard are stationed.

The deceased have been identified as Prabhati Das, Basanti Sahu, and Premakanta Mohanty. Read more...

Jun 29, 2025 09:46 IST

Proper measures not taken by administration: Devotee who lost family member

Jun 29, 2025 09:43 IST

'No protection, no discipline', allege eyewitnesses over stampede near Gundicha Temple