Odisha CM suspends two top cops after Jagannath Yatra stampede

Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered the suspension of Puri DCP Bishnu Charan Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi after a stampede during Jagannath Rath Yatra left at least three people dead. The incident occurred at 4 am near the Gundicha Temple when devotees were waiting for the unveiling of the three deities on the chariots.

Majhi expressed condolences and attributed the mishap to 'jostling and chaos.' He sought forgiveness from Jagannath devotees and extended condolences to the families of the deceased devotees. District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and SP Vineet Agrawal were also transferred, and an investigation into the security lapse was ordered.

Odisha DGP YB Khurania stated that an investigation has been initiated into the stampede. The annual yatra, which began on Friday, witnessed a higher turnout of devotees this year. Chaos ensued when two trucks carrying ritual materials entered the crowded area near the chariots of the deities.

During the Rath Yatra, devotees pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Shubhadra to the Gundicha Temple before they return to the Jagannath Temple.