Home / Disasters and Accidents / Puri Rath Yatra Tragedy: Rights Panel Seeks Report
Puri Rath Yatra Tragedy: Rights Panel Seeks Report
18 Jul
Summary
- OHRC seeks report on 2 deaths and 78 injuries during Rath Yatra.
- A sudden crowd surge caused panic and led to the tragic incident.
- Commission demands safety protocols and action against negligent officials.
The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has initiated an inquiry into the fatalities and injuries that occurred during the Rath Yatra in Puri on July 16. The incident, which claimed two lives and injured 78 devotees, was reportedly triggered by a sudden surge in the crowd at Marichikote Square, causing panic during the Pahandi procession.
Acting on a petition, the commission has requested detailed reports from key state government departments. These reports should cover crowd management plans, personnel deployment, emergency readiness, and medical arrangements. The OHRC specifically seeks information on corrective actions taken following a similar stampede-like situation during the 2025 Rath Yatra, which resulted in three deaths and around 50 injuries.
Furthermore, the commission has recommended departmental and legal actions against officials found negligent. It also called for adequate compensation and comprehensive support for the victims' families. The OHRC emphasized the need for a robust, scientific crowd management protocol for future religious gatherings in Odisha, urging the government to prevent similar incidents during the upcoming Bahuda Yatra.
