Puri stampede: Odisha CM apologizes to devotees, promises probe
What's the story
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has apologized to devotees after a stampede near the Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri. The incident, which took place early on Sunday during Rath Yatra festivities, left three people dead and around 50 injured. In a post on social media platform X, CM Majhi expressed his condolences and promised an investigation into security lapses that led to the tragedy. Meanwhile, he has announced ₹25 lakh compensation to the families of each deceased.
Official response
CM Majhi's post on X
"I and my government seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We express our condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives... pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to bear this profound sorrow," CM Majhi said. He added, "This negligence is unpardonable. An immediate investigation into the security lapses will be conducted, and I have directed that necessary steps be taken to initiate exemplary action against those responsible."
On-site assessment
Law Minister speaks on incident
Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that the state Director General of Police (DGP) has been sent to the site of the incident. Harichandan said, "It is an unfortunate incident. We are taking note of that. I spoke with the CM this morning. We are taking stringent action." Majhi has also ordered a comprehensive administrative inquiry into the incident, which will be conducted under the Development Commissioner, Anu Garg.
Opposition's reaction
How Members of Opposition reacted
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep pain over the stampede near a temple in Odisha's Puri, emphasizing that the negligence and mismanagement that caused this tragedy are inexcusable. BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday stated that the stampede near Gundicha Temple in Odisha's Puri revealed the state government's significant failure in ensuring a peaceful Rath Yatra for devotees.
Twitter Post
Naveen Patnaik's post on X
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, #Puri and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident.
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) June 29, 2025
Today’s stampede,…
Event details
Stampede occurred around 4am
The stampede occurred around 4:00am as hundreds of devotees gathered near the temple for Rath Yatra festivities. The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital, with six in critical condition. The annual Rath Yatra involves pulling the holy chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Shubhadra to Gundicha Temple, a short distance from Jagannath Temple. This year, the Rath Yatra started on Friday.