Bhubaneswar, July 17: The annual Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, witnessed a tragic incident on Thursday when a devotee reportedly died due to a stampede. This incident has drawn sharp criticism from the main opposition party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), as well as the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), who have targeted the state government over crowd management issues.
OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das expressed deep sorrow over the devotee’s death and urged the state government to ensure proper crowd management to prevent such incidents in the future. He stated that Anil Das, a resident of Keonjhar district, began to suffocate due to the excessive crowd near the Marichikota Chowk on Grand Road during the Rath Yatra. He collapsed approximately 100 feet away from police barricades and was rushed to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital, where he was declared dead by doctors.
Das emphasized that repeated occurrences of such incidents during the Rath Yatra are a serious concern and warrant thorough review. He condemned the incident as inexcusable, noting that over 150 individuals were receiving treatment for suffocation and other health issues related to the crowd.
He also referenced a similar stampede during last year’s Rath Yatra, which resulted in three fatalities. Das alleged that the issuance of excessive cordon passes and allowing RSS volunteers into restricted areas were major contributing factors to the chaos.
Criticizing the state government, he pointed out that the traditional “Tahiya” ceremony, which involves adorning the deities with a large fragrant floral crown, was conducted without this important ritual, hurting the religious sentiments of the Odia community.
In response, the state government has denied allegations of stampede incidents during the Rath Yatra but confirmed the deaths of two devotees. According to the government, seven individuals fell ill during the event, and one elderly male devotee reportedly died due to suffocation. Additionally, another male devotee over the age of 35 suffered a heart attack and could not be saved despite immediate medical assistance.
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Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
