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<p data-start="88" data-end="339"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Odisha government has initiated a formal investigation into the tragic incident that occurred near the Gundicha Temple in Puri on June 29, 2025, where three devotees lost their lives in a stampede-like situation during the Rath Yatra celebrations.</span></p>
<p data-start="341" data-end="702"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to a notification issued by the Home Department (No. 1389/C dated June 29, 2025), the government has assigned the responsibility of the inquiry to the Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha. The investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances and causes behind the incident, ensuring transparency and accountability.</span></p>
<p data-start="704" data-end="1028"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">As part of the probe, the Planning and Coordination Department has issued a public notice requesting individuals or organizations possessing any relevant information or evidence&mdash;such as video footage&mdash;to come forward. Such material can be submitted via email to <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=ca1b58a9e705a903&amp;cs=1&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifPWgg03bUzzk7C1pUi_-1dAxXbA1w%3A1751524985430&amp;q=puritragedy.enquiry%40odisha.gov.in&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjD6Z6Ei6COAxWAoGMGHer0AtAQxccNegQIBRAC&amp;mstk=AUtExfCT1ZJbOmw8xo44Ekw_3F-2s0XPgWtVWYrhdBYm4KM0RTA7zjOxahgUwMOK4MUISHGeaVrysiI2ZiwXVRsLjE1uxi3jxy4DzKSP9ZkqTNhxQV_4AL-fxGIvhqZFLX-9-jXui092DUllax1zFTcNuE8-zLqFPvqGG3Ed-IzcGGv9bMDLUDEjwddmBr-A0ctrGhWgq-8YPV-lBmuykG6VhqtR-NpDIIt__O9UwcRGGDCrMIlsZmZ2-xlHNi5MTP7jWZjkO0fpGfZsw6RI5P_BlpknttArEUPNis_VH3gugSDt5g&amp;csui=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">puritragedy.enquiry@odisha.gov.in</a>&nbsp;by July 20, 2025.</span></p>
<p data-start="1030" data-end="1147"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Those wishing to share information in person can meet the investigating officer at the following times and locations:</span></p>
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<p data-start="1150" data-end="1218"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">State Guest House Annexe, Bhubaneswar &ndash; July 9 after 3:00 PM</span></p>
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<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1219" data-end="1280">
<p data-start="1221" data-end="1280"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Special Circuit House, Puri &ndash; July 10 after 3:00 PM</span></p>
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<p data-start="1282" data-end="1380"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">For more details, individuals can also contact the helpline numbers: (0674) 2536882 / 2391970.</span></p>
<p data-start="1382" data-end="1770"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh to the families of each deceased victim. Taking swift administrative action, the Chief Minister has suspended Puri DCP Bishnu Charan Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi, while also transferring Collector Siddharth S. Swain and SP Vineet Agrawal.</span></p>
<p data-start="1772" data-end="2102" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The government has assured the public that the investigation will be carried out with full transparency, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible. Authorities emphasized that this inquiry is crucial to understanding what went wrong and to prevent such tragedies during large public gatherings in the future.</span></p>
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Team formed to probe Puri tragedy; government issues public notice with special appeal

Govt seeks public help with evidence; 3 dead in Rath Yatra stampede near Gundicha Temple

Odisha forms probe panel after Puri tragedy

Govt seeks public help with evidence; 3 dead in Rath Yatra stampede near Gundicha Temple

July 3, 2025 | 12:17 IST