Puri stampede: CM Mohan Majhi to determine accountability after probe report, informs Law Minister

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is reviewing the probe report submitted by Development Commissioner Anu Garg on the tragic stampede during this year’s Rath Yatra in Puri, which left three devotees dead and several injured. The final decision on the next course of action will be taken only after a thorough assessment of the findings, informed Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday.

Also Read: Puri Rath Yatra stampede: Probe report submitted to Odisha CM

The report, submitted to the Chief Minister on July 31, comes a month after the deadly incident occurred at Puri’s Saradhabali on June 29, when an uncontrollable crowd surge during the chariot procession led to a stampede.

“The Development Commissioner has submitted her probe report to the Chief Minister. The CM is examining the details and will take a call on further steps soon,” Harichandan said, while addressing media queries.

A month-long inquiry into the incident recorded statements from 67 individuals, including eyewitnesses and officials involved in crowd management. However, the contents of the report remain undisclosed, fuelling widespread public interest and concern, especially among the victims’ families and civil society groups demanding accountability and safety reforms.

The Law Minister reiterated that any decisions on assigning responsibility or introducing procedural reforms for crowd control during major religious festivals will only follow a comprehensive review of the report. “Let us wait for the CM’s decision,” he added.

It is worth noting that following the incident, speculation had surfaced regarding ritual delays contributing to the crowding. However, Minister Harichandan had earlier clarified on June 30 that the tragedy was not caused by any delay in the ‘Pahuda’ ritual of the sibling deities.

As devotees and citizens await the government’s response, attention now turns to how the State government will address crowd management failures and prevent similar tragedies in future religious gatherings.