Bhubaneswar, July 1: The Odisha State Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the tragic stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri that claimed the lives of three devotees and left several others injured. The incident, which occurred amidst a massive crowd, has raised serious concerns over crowd control and safety arrangements during one of Odisha’s biggest religious events.

Expressing deep concern, the OHRC has issued notices to the Puri District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, directing them to submit a detailed report on the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The Commission emphasized the need for accountability and has demanded clarity on whether sufficient preventive measures and crowd management protocols were in place.

Additionally, the OHRC has urged the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, to ensure that the injured devotees receive proper and timely medical care.

Looking ahead, the Commission has strongly advised the state administration to implement stricter safety and crowd-control measures for the remaining Rath Yatra events, including Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, and Niladri Bije, to prevent further mishaps and safeguard public lives.

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