Rath Yatra 2023: Several injured during pulling of Taladhwaja chariot

Several devotees, including a woman, reportedly sustained injuries during the pulling of Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra at Marichikote Chhak in Puri on Tuesday.

According to sources, a woman devotee reportedly fell down on the grand road during the pulling of Lord Balabhadra’s chariot. Subsequently, a few other devotees stumbled upon each other.

However, the security personnel brought the situation under control immediately, sources informed, adding that the injured were rushed to Puri hospital after first aid at the grand road.

“As many as 14 persons sustained injuries in the incident and have been admitted to the hospital. The injured were provided with immediate treatment. While the condition of the 13 injured is stable, one is under observation,” said a doctor attending the injured.

“Several devotees fainted due to the heat wave and sultry weather. They were provided with necessary healthcare. Other than these incidents, no major untoward incident has been reported,” said Ranjan Kumar Das, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration.