Key Points
- Tragic stampede during Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri: 3 devotees dead, over 50 injured, including critically wounded.
- Incident occurred around 4 am on June 29, 2025, near Sri Gundicha Temple at Saradhabali as thousands gathered for early morning darshan.
- Victims identified: Two women, Prabhati Das and Basanti Sahu, and a 70-year-old man, Premakant Mohanty—all from Khurda district.
- Chaos triggered by ritual trucks: Entry of two trucks carrying ceremonial materials into a congested crowd reportedly sparked panic and the deadly surge.
- Eyewitnesses and families blame poor crowd management, VIP arrangements, and inadequate emergency response.
- Odisha government orders high-level probe; CM Majhi calls negligence “unforgivable” and promises strict action.
- Massive security deployment for the festival: Over 10,000 police, AI-based CCTV, and NDRF teams were on duty, but crowd control failed at the critical moment.
Puri, Odisha: The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri was marred by tragedy early Sunday morning when a stampede near the Sri Gundicha Temple left three devotees dead and more than 50 injured, including several in critical condition. The incident, which occurred around 4 am at Saradhabali, has sparked outrage over crowd management and emergency preparedness during one of India’s largest religious gatherings.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
Hundreds of thousands of devotees had converged on Puri for the sacred Rath Yatra, eager to witness Lord Jagannath and his siblings on their majestic chariots. As the chariots reached Gundicha Temple, a massive crowd gathered for darshan. Eyewitnesses report that chaos erupted when two trucks carrying ritual materials unexpectedly entered the already packed area near the chariots, causing barriers to collapse and triggering a deadly surge.
In the ensuing panic, several people lost their footing and were trampled. The deceased identified as Prabhati Das, Basanti Sahu, and Premakant Mohanty, all from Khurda district were crushed in the chaos, while dozens more suffered injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Eyewitnesses Blame Poor Planning and VIP Arrangements
Numerous eyewitnesses and grieving families have criticized the authorities for inadequate crowd control and emergency response. Swadhin Kumar Panda, a local resident, noted that new routes created for VIPs forced common devotees to use the main entrance as an exit, leading to dangerous overcrowding. Others pointed out that unauthorized vehicles were allowed near the temple, further worsening the situation.
A bereaved husband, who lost his wife in the stampede, told reporters, “No one responded, neither the fire officials, nor the rescue team, nor the hospital team. This is a pathetic incident that cannot be expressed”.
Government Response: Probe Ordered, Action Promised
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep regret, calling the negligence “unforgivable.” He has ordered an immediate investigation into security lapses and promised exemplary action against those found responsible. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan confirmed that a high-level probe is underway and additional police have been deployed to manage the situation.
Security Arrangements: Massive Deployment, But Gaps Exposed
Despite elaborate security measures including the deployment of over 10,000 police personnel, AI-powered CCTV cameras, NDRF teams, and strict traffic advisories the incident highlighted significant gaps in on-ground crowd management. Authorities had divided the city into security zones and rehearsed emergency drills, but the early-morning surge overwhelmed the system at a critical moment.
Recent Health Incidents and Ongoing Yatra
This tragedy follows a day when more than 600 devotees reportedly fell ill due to heat and overcrowding during the Rath Yatra, with most treated for minor injuries and exhaustion. The festival, which draws lakhs of devotees every year, will continue with heightened scrutiny on safety and crowd management.
