ODISHA: At least two people lost their lives, and over 130 were injured during the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Odisha, officials reported on Monday. The incidents occurred in separate locations and involved a tragic stampede and a fatal accident.

In Puri, a resident of Bolangir district died from suffocation in a stampede-like situation on Sunday. The devotee fainted while pulling the chariot of Lord Balabhadra on Grand Road. He was rushed to Puri District Headquarters Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Expressing sorrow, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the family of the deceased and directed officials to provide the best medical care for the injured.

Another tragic incident took place in Jharsuguda district, where a devotee named Shyam Sundar Kishan, 45, died after being run over by the wheels of a chariot. This occurred in Kukujangha village during the pulling of the Jagannath temple chariot. Kishan accidentally fell, and despite being immediately taken to the district hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

In Puri, over 130 individuals, including a few police officers, were injured during the Rath Yatra. According to a health officer, half of the injured were discharged the same day, while around 40 people remained hospitalized. More than 600 people sought medical assistance at hospitals and medical camps in Puri, though only 130 required hospitalization, stated Director of Health Services, Bijay Mohapatra.

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, after visiting the hospital on Sunday night, confirmed that one person died while many were treated for injuries resulting from the stampede, dehydration, and other causes. He assured that none of the injuries were critical and praised the efforts of the medical staff and volunteers. Pujari expressed hope that the injured would be discharged by Monday evening.

Despite the tragic events, the Rath Yatra continued on Monday, with the pulling of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra resuming at 9:30 am. Amidst chants of "Hari Bol" and "Jay Jagannath," the chariots proceeded towards Shree Gundicha Temple after being halted overnight on Grand Road.

This year, the Rath Yatra in Puri is a two-day event, a rare occurrence after 53 years due to unique celestial arrangements. Tight security measures were enforced with the deployment of 180 platoons (each comprising 30 personnel) of security forces. Artificial Intelligence-based CCTV cameras were installed at strategic locations in the pilgrim town, according to a police officer.

Additionally, 46 fire tenders were positioned throughout the town and along the sea beach to ensure safety, stated DG of Fire Services, Sudhanshu Sarangi.

President Murmu to Grace Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 in Puri Tomorrow

Ahmedabad Gets Ready for 147th Rath Yatra with Massive Security Deployment

Odisha Declares Two-Day Holiday for Rath Yatra After 53 Years