Stampede Outside Puri’s Gundicha Temple During Rath Yatra Leaves 3 Dead, Over 50 Injured
At least three people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a tragic stampede-like incident outside the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha, early Sunday morning. The mishap occurred during the annual Rath Yatra, which draws hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the country.
The incident unfolded around 4 to 4:20 AM on Saradhabali, a key area near the temple, when a vehicle carrying ritual materials reportedly entered the already swelling crowd. Eyewitnesses claimed there was a lack of adequate police deployment and crowd management, contributing to the chaos. Many present alleged that no officials were immediately available to control the situation when panic broke out.
Hospital authorities confirmed that some of the injured were treated and discharged, while others with serious injuries remain under medical care. Among the deceased were women, though their identities have not yet been officially verified. Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain said three people had died and six others were admitted to the Puri hospital for treatment. “According to initial reports by the officials who were at the spot, there was a sudden surge in crowd when the darshan started. The condition of the injured patients is stable,” Swain said.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the incident and strongly criticized the lapses in crowd control. “This negligence is unpardonable,” the CM stated on social media platform X. He added that an immediate investigation would be launched and assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said he had briefed the Chief Minister and confirmed that a formal probe would soon be initiated. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.
The Rath Yatra, one of the most significant religious festivals in India, sees massive gatherings every year. Sunday’s tragic incident has sparked outrage and calls for better safety arrangements in future religious events. As the state reels from the tragedy, questions are being raised about accountability and preparedness for managing such large-scale pilgrimages.
