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Administrative Overhaul in Odisha Following Tragic Incident

Bhubaneswar: In response to a tragic stampede at the Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri that resulted in three fatalities and approximately 50 injuries, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has initiated a significant administrative reshuffle.

With the Rath Yatra festivities on the horizon, the Chief Minister has reassigned seasoned IAS and IPS officers to enhance coordination and ensure public safety.

In a strategic decision, SK Priyadarshi, the Additional Director General of Police Modernisation, has been tasked with overseeing police arrangements for the Rath Yatra and its associated rituals, in addition to his current duties.

To bolster the administrative framework, Saswata Mishra has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, a position that had been vacant since Nikunja Dhal's transfer to central duties.

Mishra will also retain his role as Principal Secretary of the Finance Department and Chairman of IDCO.

Former Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal has been brought in as the overall coordinator for the Rath Yatra.

This administrative response follows widespread outrage across the nation after the stampede incident.

In a swift action, Puri Collector Siddharth Sekhar Swain and Puri Superintendent of Police Vinit Agarwal were dismissed from their roles.

Moreover, DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi have been suspended.

DIG STF Pinak Mishra has been appointed as the new Puri SP. Despite his promotion to DIG, he will serve as SP during the Yatra due to the critical nature of the position, and he took charge shortly after the transfer.

To ensure accountability, Chief Minister Majhi has ordered an administrative investigation into the incident, which will be led by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, known for her strong administrative skills.

The inquiry aims to identify any lapses and suggest corrective actions.

Key upcoming events include Sandhya Darshan on July 4, Bahuda Jatra on July 5, Suna Besa on July 6, and Niladeri Bije on July 8.

These events are expected to draw massive crowds, with the Suna Besa anticipated to attract over 15 lakh devotees this year, according to a temple official.