A tragic incident occurred during the world famous Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. Jagannath Rath Yatra During this, two devotees died of suffocation due to the huge crowd. Many other people are feared injured. The government has denied the stampede claim. During the Rath Yatra, some people were waiting while pulling the big pole. Then two devotees became unconscious due to suffocation. He was immediately taken to Puri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). As soon as he reached there, doctors declared him dead. Many injured are being treated.
Panic spread among devotees
The huge crowd caused huge traffic jams during the Rath Yatra, causing panic among the devotees as traffic came to a standstill at many places on the Grand Road. The Special Rescue Unit (SRU) immediately responded and carried out the rescue operation and evacuated the devotees from the crowded area. Devotees were given first aid at makeshift medical camps, while those requiring additional treatment were admitted to nearby hospitals.
Additional routes created to control crowd
Following the incident, authorities intensified crowd management measures and emergency response efforts on Grand Road to prevent further accidents. Following the incident, security personnel, volunteers and emergency response teams were deployed to control the crowd and ease the traffic jam. Authorities have also created additional routes to facilitate the movement of devotees and emergency vehicles.
deceased identified
The police team said that the devotee who died has been identified as Anil Das. This time too, a huge crowd of devotees from all over the country was seen in the Jagannath Rath Yatra, despite heavy rains, lakhs of people gathered in Puri today.
Health Minister denied the claim of stampede
However, the government has rejected the claims of stampede. Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahalinga has denied the claims. Mukesh Mahaling said that there have been 2 deaths but not due to stampede, investigation is going on.
Opposition targeted
Biju Janata Dal has counterattacked on the claims of Mukesh Mahalinga. Biju Janata Dal Rajya Sabha MP Shibashish Khuntia said that the government is telling lies. At the same time, the advisor to the Chief Minister of Odisha said that there was no stampede and we are investigating the matter.
Officials are assessing the situation
Policemen and emergency teams present at the spot are taking stock of the situation. Officials are assessing the situation. According to reports, the incident occurred when thousands of devotees had gathered towards the Gundicha temple to witness the annual pilgrimage of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
Three people died in a stampede last year
Earlier last year also in 2025, at least 3 devotees had died in a stampede near Shri Gundicha Temple during the annual Rath Yatra. More than 50 people were injured.
Shubham Kumar’s report
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Lord Jagannath along with brothers and sisters went out to meet aunt, know the religious significance of Rath Yatra
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
