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Stampede at Jagannath Rath Yatra Again: 3 devotees dead !

Inadequate police presence near the Gundicha Temple, where the incident occurred

Bhubaneswar (Odisha): A tragic stampede occurred around 4 a.m. on June 29th during the ongoing world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, near the Gundicha Temple. In this incident, 3 devotees lost their lives, and more than 50 were injured, including 6 in critical condition. The stampede took place near Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot.In the wake of the incident, the local District Collector and Superintendent of Police have been transferred, while the Deputy Commissioner of Police and another official have been suspended.

The stampede reportedly happened due to a massive crowd that had gathered to witness the chariot procession. Witnesses claim that there was insufficient police or security presence at the spot. Shockingly, just 2 days ago, during the Subhadra Rath Yatra, a similar crowd surge led to over 600 injuries, 9 of which were critical.

Negligence is inexcusable! – Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “This unfortunate tragedy has caused immense grief. I, along with my government, sincerely apologize to all devotees of Lord Jagannath. Such negligence is absolutely unacceptable. I have ordered an immediate inquiry into the lapses in security arrangements.”

Editorial Perspective

A similar stampede had occurred during last year’s Rath Yatra. Moreover, just two days ago, another stampede injured over 600 devotees. Given these recent incidents, the failure to deploy adequate police forces once again is inexcusable. The responsible officials should be dismissed and charged with culpable homicide !

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