Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 29 : BJP leader, Biranchi Narayan Tripathy on Sunday expressed grief over the Puri Rath Yatra stampede that claimed the lives of three people and injured several others and said that the state government has been taking steps to ensure that such "distressing" incidents do not take place in the future.
Speaking to ANI, Tripathy said, "Whatever happened in Puri is very distressing. The government is very upset and is also taking steps to ensure that something like this does not happen again in the future."
"To ensure this, CM Mohan Charan Majhi has spoken to the departmental ministers and officers. I have just received news that some officials have been transferred, and two police officers have been suspended. Those who have died have been compensated with Rs 25 lakh," said Tripathy.
In the aftermath of the Puri Rath Yatra stampede, the state government appointed Pinak Mishra as the Superintendent of Police of the district. Also, it replaced Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain with Chanchal Rana.
This followed the order by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for a detailed administrative inquiry, conducted under the supervision of the Development Commissioner, and the subsequent transfer of the District Collector.
Earlier in the day, Odisha Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were suspended for negligence of duty following the stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which claimed the lives of three people and injured 6-7 others.
The incident occurred during the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri, as overcrowding led to the unfortunate demise of three devotees.
Expressing deep sorrow, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased devotee.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha and assured strict action against those responsible for the mishap. He emphasised that such incidents must not recur, ensuring the safety and sanctity of the festival in the future.