Chaotic scenes at Puri Jagannath Temple as devotees break barricades, force their way in

In a disturbing turn of events, Puri Srimandir witnessed chaotic scenes on Sunday as massive crowds gathered during the ongoing Panchuka rituals, raising serious questions over the security and crowd management arrangements at the holy shrine.

According to reports, devotees broke through barricades and surged into the Jagannath Temple premises, creating panic and confusion. The situation worsened in the evening near the North Gate, where around 50 devotees allegedly forced their way inside, pushing down a barricade that had been set up exclusively for special guests.

Although police personnel were deployed at key entry points, eyewitnesses claimed that they were unable to control the swelling crowd, leading to a stampede-like situation. In the melee, two women devotees reportedly fell and sustained minor injuries before being helped to safety by others.

Also Read: Queue system for darshan to begin at Puri Srimandir after Kartika month

The chaos unfolded despite existing restrictions, which allow entry for devotees only through the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate), while the other four gates are designated for exit to prevent congestion.

The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for a robust queue and monitoring system inside Srimandir. The much-awaited queue system for darshan is expected to be introduced after the holy month of Kartika. Meanwhile, temple officials have confirmed that preparations for the counting and documentation of valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury) will commence soon.