Another official faces action in Puri Rath Yatra stampede case

In a significant development, another official faces action over the stampede during Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri

As per reports, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Puri, for alleged negligence while on duty at the district control room during the festival. The Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change has begun the process and directed the officer to submit his response within 30 days.

According to reports, on the day of the incident, ACF Ashok Kumar Behera and some police officials were assigned duties near Gundicha Temple, with specific responsibilities at the district control room to coordinate with the police for crowd management. The negligence came to light after it was highlighted in the report submitted by Anu Garg, prompting the latest action.

Along with the ACF, the Home Department has also recommended action against four more officials who were on duty in the control room at that time. The recommendations include action against one Assistant Collector, two Additional Tehsildars, and one District Welfare Officer. Earlier, action had already been recommended against seven police officers in connection with the same incident. 

" Sri Ashok Kumar Behera, ACF, Puri is hereby informed that it is proposed to initiate Disciplinary Proceedings against him under Rule 16 of Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962. A statement of the imputations of misconduct for which action is proposed to be taken, is enclosed as Annexure-l. The documents in support of the imutations is enclosed as Annexure-Il. Sri Behera is directed to submit his representation, if any, as he may wish to make against the proposal within 30 days from the date of receipt of this Memorandum. If he fails to submit his representation within the period specified, it will be presumed that he has no representation to make and orders will be liable to be passed against him exparte," read the notification issued by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department of Government of Odisha.

Also Read: Puri Stampede: 3 devotees killed, over 50 injured in mishap near Gundicha Temple

"As per Order No.2556 dtd 26.06.2025 of the Collector & District Magistrate, Puri, Sri Ashok Kumar Behera, ACF, Puri along with other senior officials was assigned with duties in the District Control Room functioning near Shri Gundicha Temple, Puri w.e.f 27.06.2025 to 05.07.2025. Their duties included coordination with Police and SJTA, supervision of crowd management to ensure hassle free darshan of devotees and maintenance of Law & Order throughout the entire period of Rath Yatra-2025. A serious incident of negligence was observed in the discharge of duties by Sri Ashok Kumar Behera, ACF, Puri, and other senior officers during their deployment at the District Control Room," it further read.

"An inquiry conducted by the DC-cum-ACS, P&C Department, into the lapses leading to the stampede incident near Gundicha Temple, Puri, on 29.06.2025, during Rath Yatra, revealed that the sheer negligence of the senior officers, including Sri Ashok Kumar Behera, resulted in an unfortunate incident. On 29.06.2025, around 3:00 AM, near the Chariot, a massive surge of crowd led to a stampede, causing three fatalities and injuring twelve people. Sri Behera, ACF, Puri along with other senior officials deployed in the control room, was expected to be vigilant about the evolving situation and escalate the issues to seniors as needed. Failure to do so, particularly in discussing the matter with Sevayats on the chariots, contributed to the lapses. Accordingly, the  Government in the Home Department have suggested to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him under Rule 16 of Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962 for the lapses as stated above," it added.