In the wake of the tragic stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha government has taken swift administrative action, transferring and suspending key district-level officials for their failure to maintain order during the annual religious event.
The Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed on Sunday that the District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) have been relieved of their responsibilities with immediate effect.
The state government has also suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi, citing negligence in the execution of their duties. The decision comes amid growing criticism over crowd management failures that led to the deadly incident, which occurred during one of the largest religious gatherings in the country.
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Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, responding to the incident, announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased. "Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased devotee," the CMO said in an official statement.
The Chief Minister directed a detailed administrative inquiry into the incident, which will be overseen by the Development Commissioner. As part of the immediate reshuffle, Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new District Collector of Puri, replacing the outgoing official. Additionally, Pinak Mishra has taken over as the new Superintendent of Police for the district.
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