Bhubaneswar/Puri- The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has issued a notice to the Puri District Collector and Superintendent of Police in connection with the recent stampede at Saradhabali near the Gundicha Temple, which resulted in the deaths of three devotees and left around 50 others injured.
The Commission took cognizance of a petition filed after the tragic incident, which occurred early Sunday during the annual Rath Yatra festivities. In its directive, OHRC has asked the concerned authorities to ensure quality medical care for the injured and to take immediate measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Eyewitnesses and devotees have pointed to severe lapses in crowd control and inadequate deployment of police personnel at the time of the incident. The chaos unfolded near the chariots, where a massive gathering had assembled, leading to a deadly crush.
Public anger has mounted, with both the opposition Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) blaming the state government for the mismanagement. The Congress party has gone further, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
In the aftermath, the state government has taken swift action by suspending two police officers for negligence and transferring both the Puri Collector and SP. Additionally, Chief Minister Majhi announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs25 lakh for the families of the deceased.
A high-level probe has been ordered, with the state’s Development Commissioner tasked to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy and submit a detailed report within 30 days.
