🕊️ Tragedy Strikes During Rath Yatra in Puri
A tragic stampede occurred in the early hours of June 29, 2025, near the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha, during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. The incident took place around 4 AM at Saradhabali, a congested area where lakhs of devotees had gathered for the sacred procession. As the ceremonial rituals were underway and people surged forward for darshan (viewing of the deities), a sudden stampede-like situation broke out. The crowd movement became uncontrollable, and many fell to the ground, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
💔 Deaths and Injuries Reported
According to official reports, three people lost their lives in the stampede. The deceased have been identified as Prabhati Das (aged 50), Basanti Sahu (aged 65), and Premakant Mohanty (aged 72). Over 50 others sustained injuries in the chaos, with some of them in critical condition. The injured were immediately rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College in Cuttack for advanced care. Many were treated for suffocation, fractures, and head injuries due to the stampede.
🚨 Eyewitness Accounts and Crowd Mismanagement
Eyewitnesses and local devotees alleged that mismanagement by authorities and lack of proper crowd control measures contributed significantly to the tragedy. They claimed that there was insufficient police deployment in the crucial Saradhabali stretch at the time of the surge. While lakhs of devotees flocked to the area, barricades and crowd channels reportedly failed to manage the flow. The early morning rituals and an unusually high turnout further strained the management system.
🏛️ Government Response and Probe Ordered
Following the incident, Odisha’s Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan confirmed the deaths and injuries and informed Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The state government has ordered a detailed investigation into the mishap, promising accountability for the lapses. Emergency services and police personnel were quickly mobilized, and helpline numbers were issued for families of the victims. The Chief Minister also expressed condolences and assured compensation and medical support to those affected.
📌 Safety Concerns During Religious Gatherings
The stampede has once again raised serious questions about crowd management at massive religious festivals in India. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most attended religious events in the country, drawing millions of pilgrims each year. Despite past incidents and warnings, effective crowd control remains a challenge. Reports also noted that more than 750 people were treated for dehydration and exhaustion during the same event, indicating how extreme weather and crowd density can create a dangerous mix.