29.06.2025 23:50
During the Rath Yatra religious ceremony in the state of Orissa, India, where Hindu religious figures are adorned and paraded on chariots, a stampede occurred, resulting in the deaths of 3 people and injuries to more than 50 others.
Thousands of people gathered for the Rath Yatra religious ceremony in the city of Puri, Orissa state in eastern India, where Hindu religious figures are adorned and paraded on chariots.
STAMPED AT THE RELIGIOUS CEREMONY: 3 DEAD, OVER 50 INJURED
A stampede occurred in front of the Gundicha temple around 04:30 local time during the ceremony. Three people, including two women, lost their lives, and more than 50 others were injured. Orissa State Police Chief Yogesh Bahadur Khurania arrived at the scene to conduct investigations.
CROWD SUDDENLY GOT OUT OF CONTROL
Puri Tehsildar Siddharth Shankar Swain stated that the bodies of the deceased have been sent for autopsy. Swain noted that adequate security measures were in place in the area, but the sudden loss of control of the crowd led to the tragedy.
COMPENSATION FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS
Orissa State Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences for the deceased, announcing that 25 million Indian Rupees would be paid as compensation to the families of the victims. Majhi also dismissed Puri Assistant Police Commissioner Bishnu Chatan Pati and Police Commander Ajay Padhi hours after the incident, while also transferring Tehsildar Swain and District Police Chief Binit Agarwal to different positions.