Puri (Odisha): A 60-year-old devotee died while undergoing treatment and several others were injured after a crowd surge during the annual Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha’s temple town of Puri on Thursday, despite extensive security arrangements for one of the country’s largest religious festivals.
According to officials, seven devotees fell ill during the massive gathering and were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. One of them, a 60-year-old man, succumbed while receiving medical care. Authorities said the exact cause of death is yet to be determined.
The centuries-old Rath Yatra attracted thousands of devotees from across the country, who gathered to witness the ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The annual festival marks the only occasion when the deities are brought out of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple and taken in grand chariots along the city’s Grand Road.
Continuous rainfall failed to dampen the enthusiasm of devotees, who participated in the celebrations with prayers, devotional songs and traditional dances. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Puri has received around 233 mm of rainfall since Tuesday, with light to moderate showers expected to continue during the day.
Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the preparedness for the festival and directed officials to prioritise the safety and convenience of pilgrims. In view of waterlogging caused by heavy rain, he instructed the district administration, municipal authorities and other departments to remain on high alert and ensure the prompt clearance of flooded areas.
A comprehensive security plan was implemented for the festival, with nearly 13,000 police personnel led by 19 IPS officers deployed across Puri. Security was further reinforced by 15 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including personnel from the CRPF, BSF and Rapid Action Force (RAF), stationed at key locations.
To strengthen surveillance and crowd management, authorities installed 473 AI-powered CCTV cameras integrated with drone-jamming systems. The surveillance network was monitored through two command-and-control centres covering the Grand Road and adjoining areas throughout the festival.
Officials are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the crowd surge as investigations continue into the cause of the devotee’s death while the Rath Yatra celebrations proceed under heightened security and monitoring.
