Another government official has come under scrutiny in connection with the stampede that occurred during the 2025 Rath Yatra in Puri. The Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Puri, for alleged negligence while on duty at the district control room during the festival. The officer has been asked to submit his response within 30 days.
According to reports, ACF Ashok Kumar Behera and several police officials were assigned responsibilities near the Gundicha Temple, including coordination duties in the district control room to support crowd management efforts. The negligence surfaced after it was highlighted in a report submitted by senior official Anu Garg, prompting the latest action.
More Officials Recommended for Action
In addition to the ACF, the Home Department has recommended disciplinary action against four more officials who were present in the control room at the time of the incident. The recommendation includes one Assistant Collector, two Additional Tehsildars, and one District Welfare Officer. Earlier, action had also been advised against seven police personnel for their roles in the incident.
A government notification outlined the proposed action under Rule 16 of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962. It stated that Behera must submit his representation within 30 days, failing which the proceedings may move forward ex parte.
Investigation Reveals Negligence Leading to Stampede
The inquiry report, conducted by the DC-cum-ACS of the Planning and Coordination Department, detailed lapses that contributed to the stampede near the Gundicha Temple on June 29, 2025. A massive crowd surge around 3:00 AM near the chariot resulted in three deaths and injuries to twelve devotees.
Officials deployed in the control room, including ACF Behera, were expected to monitor the evolving situation closely and escalate concerns to senior authorities when necessary. The report stated that failure to do so, along with inadequate coordination with Sevayats on the chariots, contributed to the tragedy. Based on these findings, the Home Department has recommended initiating disciplinary proceedings under Rule 16 for the lapses observed.
