Stampede-like situation at Puri Srimandir during Dola Purnima; three devotees sustain minor injuries

A stampede-like situation occurred at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Tuesday during Dola Purnima following an unprecedented rush of devotees near the Dolabedi area. 

The incident occurred as a large number of pilgrims gathered to witness the deities during the ceremonial proceedings, leading to pushing and shoving in the crowd.

Rush Near Dolabedi Triggers Chaos

According to initial reports, the situation escalated when the deities entered through the Paschima Dwara and performed the Parikrama. A substantial crowd had assembled to catch a glimpse of the deities, and amid the surge, some devotees began pushing forward. During the commotion, three women devotees fell and sustained minor injuries.

Police personnel deployed at the site intervened immediately, assisting those who had fallen and restoring order. Officials confirmed that no serious injuries were reported and none of the injured required hospitalisation.

Despite the deployment of 10 platoons of police personnel, concerns have been raised regarding crowd management during the festival. The sudden surge of devotees and attempts by some to move past security arrangements reportedly contributed to the disorder.

Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said the Parikrama was conducted in the presence of adequate police deployment. “However, some devotees attempted to push past the security arrangements when the deities were entering the Dolabedi. When they were stopped by police personnel, they began pushing and shoving. Some devotees tripped over their own clothes, and the situation emerged,” he said.

He added that the darshan process has since been streamlined.

The situation was brought under control promptly, and temple rituals and activities continued thereafter under regulated arrangements.