In the ongoing probe into the Puri stampede, the investigation committee has recorded statements from 147 people so far. The tragic incident occurred during Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra on June 29, outside the Sri Gundicha temple, when an overwhelming crowd caused a deadly stampede. Three devotees lost their lives, and around 50 others sustained injuries.
The administrative inquiry is led by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg. On Wednesday alone, 42 individuals gave their testimonies at the Special Circuit House in Bhubaneswar. Among them were police personnel and staff from the Integrated Command and Control Center who were present at the site on the day of the tragedy.
Anu Garg stated that statements were collected from various stakeholders at four separate sessions held in both Bhubaneswar and Puri. Earlier, in a previous hearing in Bhubaneswar, statements from 17 people were recorded.
On June 29, the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings stood outside the Sri Gundicha temple, ready to return to the Jagannath temple, when a massive crowd surged forward, sparking the stampede. Following the incident, the then District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Puri were suspended.
The investigation committee is expected to submit its final report to the government on July 30, shedding light on the lapses that led to this unfortunate Puri stampede.
