&w=3840&q=100)
Puri stampede shows govt's failure to ensure peaceful Rath Yatra: Patnaik
BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday claimed that the stampede near Gundicha Temple in Odisha's Puri exposed the state government's glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful Rath Yatra for devotees.
At least three persons were killed and around 50 others injured in the stampede near the temple in the early hours of Sunday, a senior official said.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, #Puri and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident, Patnaik said in a post on X.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, #Puri and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident. Today's stampede,…
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) June 29, 2025
Today's stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the #RathYatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government's glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees, the Leader of Opposition in Odisha assembly said.
The incident took place around 4 am when hundreds of devotees gathered near the temple to witness Rath Yatra festivities, Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain said.
Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees' relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty, Patnaik alleged.
Chaos ensued after two trucks carrying materials for rituals reportedly entered the crowded spot near the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities, officials said.
While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy. I urge the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key #RathYatra rituals, Patnaik, a five-term chief minister, added.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Puri stampede: Naveen blames Odisha govt for lapses, Rahul seeks review
The BJD president urged the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key Rath Yatra rituals. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who lost their lives in the tragic incident and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the stampede. Stating that the incident was 'extremely tragic', he urged the Odisha government to expedite relief efforts. 'This tragedy is a serious reminder that security and crowd management preparations for such large events must be thoroughly reviewed. Protecting lives is paramount, and any lapse in this responsibility is unacceptable,' he said in a post on X. Rahul conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
Around 50 supporters of MP Chandrashekhar Azad nabbed for vandalism
Police have arrested around 50 supporters of Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad for resorting to vandalism on Sunday. The angry supporters of the MP, who was stopped by police on Sunday while on his way to meet the family of a person who died of burn injuries at Isota village in Prayagraj, had created a ruckus and damaged two police vehicles. The family of the deceased, Devishankar, had claimed that he was burnt to death after he succumbed on April 13. Chandrashekhar had reached the Circuit House, but was stopped by police due to "security reasons", according to police. According to Yamuna Nagar Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivek Chandra Yadav, 50 people accused of stone pelting and vandalism near Isota village have been arrested so far and the rest are being identified. Cases are being registered against these people under stringent sections. DCP Yadav said that charges under National Security Act will be imposed on these people and the cost of damage will also be recovered. Yadav said party workers gathered in large numbers following the information about Chandrashekhar's visit to Isota village in Karchana tehsil on Sunday. They started pelting stones after coming to know that the leader would not be coming. The dial 112 vehicle and another vehicle were damaged by the mob, he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Wire
3 hours ago
- The Wire
Opposition Accuses Odisha BJP Govt of Delaying Rath Yatra to Facilitate Adani Family's Participation
Government A political blame game has started over the delay in pulling the chariots on the occasion of the annual Rath Yatra. People gather near the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra during the annual 'Rath Yatra' festival celebration, in Puri. Photo: PTI New Delhi: The opposition has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha of deliberately delaying in pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings in Puri on Friday (June 27) to allow the family of industrialist Gautam Adani to pull the chariots. 'The entire administration was there but watched helplessly as the chariots remained halted. There was much talk about Gautam Adani and his family's visit to participate in the Rath Yatra. Even the chief temple administrator said the chariots might have halted in anticipation of some devotees. Hence, we find it fair to conclude that the delay was orchestrated to facilitate the Adani family's participation,' said Congress leader and former minister Prasad Harichandan, reported The Telegraph. Harichandan called for a judicial inquiry by the sitting district and sessions judge of Puri into the incident. A political blame game has started over the delay in pulling the chariots on the occasion of the annual Rath Yatra. 'We aren't here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday's inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosa chariot. But it's impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State. It's hard to forget how, last year, Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi – a moment that left countless devotees shaken,' Bju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and former Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik posted on X. 'And now this year, we witnessed Nandighosha Ratha still standing at the Singhadwar till 7.45pm, only to move a few metres before the day ended. That understandably has left lakhs of devotees, who came from all over the world to witness this unique event, completely disenchanted and disillusioned. Hundreds of devotees also got injured due to poor crowd management,' he added. The BJD also demanded the resignation of incumbent Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and law minister Prithviraj Harichandan over the mismanagement. BJP leader and minister Harichandan accused the opposition of trying to politicise the issue and said 'god will not forgive them'. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
