The Odisha government has initiated departmental action against Ashok Kumar Behera, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Puri, for alleged negligence during the Rath Yatra stampede incident near Gundicha Temple on June 29, 2025.
According to official communication from the Home (Special Section) Department, Behera was in charge of the control room on the day of the incident. The Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Coordination Department, conducted an inquiry into the lapses and submitted a detailed report. Based on the findings, the government directed immediate action against Behera and instructed him to submit his explanation within 30 days.
The inquiry report also recommended action against four other officials, including one Assistant Collector and two Additional Tahsildars, for dereliction of duty. The recommendations followed observations made by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, who highlighted serious lapses in crowd management and coordination during the festival.
The government emphasised that accountability is essential to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. The stampede, which occurred during the Rath Yatra celebrations, raised concerns about safety arrangements and administrative preparedness.
Officials confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have begun, and the Forest & Environment Department has been asked to furnish an action-taken report to the Home Department at the earliest.
