Odisha’s Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, conducted a spot visit to the site of an alleged stampede near Gundicha temple in Puri, where three devotees tragically lost their lives.
Tasked with leading the inquiry into the incident, Garg was accompanied by the Puri Collector, Superintendent of Police, and the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
During the visit, Garg held preliminary discussions with police officers, temple sebayats, and media personnel to gather insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragic event, which occurred near the revered Gundicha temple during a religious gathering, has sparked concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at major pilgrimage sites. The inquiry aims to identify the causes of the alleged stampede and recommend measures to prevent future tragedies.
Garg assured that a comprehensive report will be submitted to the government within a month, detailing the findings and suggesting actionable steps.
The incident has drawn significant attention, with devotees and locals calling for improved safety measures during religious festivals in Puri, a key spiritual hub.
Authorities are under pressure to ensure such incidents do not recur, especially during high-traffic events like the Rath Yatra.
The inquiry’s outcome is expected to influence future safety protocols at religious sites across Odisha.
