The Odisha government has ordered a high-level administrative inquiry into the deaths due to stampede near Sri Gundicha Temple in Puri early this morning. Development Commissioner of Odisha Anu Garg will probe into the tragic incident in which three devotees, including two women, died and many others sustained serious injuries. The Odisha government has also declared an ex-gratia amount of twenty-five lakh rupees to the next of kin of the deceased.
The mishap took place between 4 to 4.30 this morning when a massive crowd had gathered for darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadras on their respective chariots, Nandighosa, Taladhwaja and Devadalana
The state government transferred the district magistrate and superintendent of police of Puri for their negligence in duties. Two other senior police officials have also been suspended from the service. Chief Minister Mohan Chran Majhi has deeply condoled the death of devotees and said his government will not tolerate negligence towards the safety of the devotees.
Meanwhile, the ‘Mandap Bije’ rituals of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are going on in front of the Sri Gundicha Temple this evening. The deities are being taken to ‘Adapa Mandap’ of Sri Gundicha temple by the servitors in a special ritual called ‘Pahandi Bije’.
‘Adapa Mandap’ is considered the birthplace of Lord Jagannath and His Siblings. ‘Adapa Mandap Bije’ ritual is also known as Sri Gundicha Yatra and during this week-long period, all the rituals of Sri Jagannath temple are observed in the Sri Gundicha temple.