In the wake of a tragic stampede near Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra in Puri, which claimed three lives and injured several others, the Odisha government has appointed senior IAS officer Aravind Agrawal to oversee the festival’s operations.
Agrawal, currently serving as Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department and Special Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, will take on this additional responsibility to ensure the smooth and safe execution of the mega festival.
The stampede, which occurred on June 29, 2025, resulted in the deaths of three devotees, including two women, and injured at least six others due to poor crowd management. Describing the incident as “unpardonable,” Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered immediate administrative action. Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has been transferred to the role of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the General Administration Department, and Puri SP Vineet Agrawal has also been reassigned. Khurda Collector Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new Puri Collector, with Pinak Mishra taking over as the new SP. Additionally, DCP Bishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi have been suspended, and a thorough investigation has been launched to address the lapses.
Aravind Agrawal’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to restore public confidence and ensure robust oversight for the Rath Yatra, one of India’s most significant religious festivals, drawing millions of devotees annually. Agrawal will balance his existing duties while coordinating with local authorities to implement enhanced safety measures and crowd control protocols for the remainder of the festival.
The Odisha government’s swift response underscores its commitment to preventing future tragedies during the Rath Yatra. As preparations continue, all eyes are on Agrawal to lead the festival to a successful and safe conclusion.
