Odisha CM Orders Top-Level Overhaul After Puri Stampede

Puri: In the wake of the tragic stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple that claimed three lives and injured around 50 devotees, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has initiated a sweeping administrative reshuffle to bolster public safety ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra events.

Recognizing the critical need for improved coordination, the CM appointed ADG SK Priyadarshi to take full charge of police arrangements for the Yatra, in addition to his ongoing duties in police modernisation.

In a move aimed at reinforcing administrative control, senior bureaucrat Saswata Mishra has been appointed as Principal Secretary to the CM, filling a post that had been vacant since Nikunja Dhal’s central deputation. Mishra will simultaneously continue as Principal Secretary of the Finance Department and Chairman of IDCO.

Former Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal has been designated as the overall in-charge of the Rath Yatra, ensuring high-level oversight on the ground.

The reshuffle followed swift action against local officials. Puri Collector Siddharth Sekhar Swain and SP Vinit Agarwal were removed from their positions, while DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were suspended.

DIG STF Pinak Mishra, despite his recent promotion, has been tasked with functioning as the Puri SP during the Yatra due to the event’s high sensitivity. He assumed charge within hours of the announcement.

To uphold accountability, the CM has ordered an administrative inquiry into the stampede. Development Commissioner Anu Garg, known for her strict administrative approach, will lead the probe to identify lapses and suggest systemic improvements.

Preparations are now intensifying for key Rath Yatra events:

• Sandhya Darshan – July 4

The Suna Besa alone is expected to draw over 15 lakh devotees, officials said, making enhanced crowd control measures crucial.