On June 29, 2025, a tragic stampede near the Shree Gundicha Temple during the Puri Rath Yatra claimed the lives of three devotees: Basanti Sahu (42) from Khordha, Prem Kanta Mahanti (78) from Nayapalli, and Prabhati Das (52) from Balipatana.
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation led by the Development Commissioner and the Inquiry Committee Chairperson, Anu Garg. On Thursday, July 10, 2025, the investigation committee recorded statements from 48 witnesses at the Puri Circuit House from 3 PM to 9 PM.
This follows the recording of 17 witness testimonies in Bhubaneswar earlier. Garg had previously inspected the site of the incident and appealed for public cooperation in the probe.
The committee is examining crowd management, security arrangements, and other factors contributing to the stampede-like situation.
The investigation is ongoing, with the committee urging anyone with relevant information or video footage to submit it by July 20, 2025, via email at puritragedy.enquiry@odisha.gov.in.
The tragic loss of lives has raised concerns about safety measures during large-scale religious events, and the committee aims to provide recommendations to prevent future incidents.
