Puri temple stampede exposes Odisha govt's incompetence in ensuring peaceful Rath Yatra: Patnaik
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Puri (PTI): BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday claimed that the stampede near Gundicha Temple in Odisha’s Puri exposed the state government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful Rath Yatra for devotees.
At least three persons were killed and around 50 others injured in the stampede near the temple in the early hours of Sunday, a senior official said.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, #Puri and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident,” Patnaik said in a post on X.
“Today’s stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the #RathYatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees,” the Leader of Opposition in Odisha assembly said.
The incident took place around 4 am when hundreds of devotees gathered near the temple to witness Rath Yatra festivities, Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain said.
“Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees’ relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty,” Patnaik alleged.
Chaos ensued after two trucks carrying materials for rituals reportedly entered the crowded spot near the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities, officials said.
“While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy. I urge the government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other key #RathYatra rituals,” Patnaik, a five-term chief minister, added.
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Drunk 21-year-old son stabs father to death in Chikkamagaluru
Chikkamagaluru: In an incident reported from Chikkamaguluru district, a 21-year-old youth allegedly stabbed his father to death while under the influence of alcohol at Gupta Shettihalli near Aldur here.
The deceased has been identified as Manjunath (51), while his son Ranjan (21) has been arrested in connection with the murder.
According to police, father and son shared a close bond, often even drinking together. Despite their modest financial condition, Manjunath had fulfilled his son’s wishes, including buying him a motorcycle. On Saturday night, the two were drinking together when a minor argument escalated into a heated quarrel. In a fit of rage, Ranjan reportedly attacked his father with a sharp knife.
Though Manjunath’s wife initially applied turmeric powder on the wound as first aid, believing it to be a minor injury, the deep cut led to heavy bleeding. Manjunath succumbed to the injuries in his sleep at home.
After the incident, Ranjan allegedly tried to mislead relatives and villagers by giving contradictory statements. To some, he claimed his father had been accidentally injured while he was trying to stop a fight between his parents. To others, he said Manjunath had died due to illness.
Believing these versions, family members and locals had even begun making arrangements for the funeral. However, Aldur Circle Inspector Somegowda and his team, acting on a tip-off, rushed to the spot, detained Ranjan, and during interrogation uncovered the truth about the murder.
The police investigation and action have drawn appreciation from local residents.
