odisha breaking news today: Tragic Stampede at Puri’s Rath Yatra Kills 4, Injures 50+; Govt Acts Swiftly 
odisha breaking news today | Puri Rath Yatra Stampede: 4 Dead, 50+ Injured; Key Officials Suspended | Odisha Dengue Spike & Rain Alert

Bhubaneswar, June 29, 2025: A deadly stampede at Puri’s Rath Yatra festival killed four devotees and injured over 50 early Monday. The tragedy struck near the Gundicha Temple in Saradhabali area as thousands pushed for a glimpse of Lord Jagannath’s chariot. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes with pilgrims trampled underfoot.  
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed the deaths. "I personally apologize to all devotees. This happened due to mismanagement," he said. The government announced ₹25 lakh compensation for each victim’s family.  

Immediate Actions Taken

The state suspended four senior police officers for negligence:  
- Puri SP Vineet Agrawal  
- DCP Vishnu Pati  
- Commandant Ajay Padi  
- Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain  
New officers took charge immediately. Retired bureaucrat Arvind Agrawal now leads chariot management. "We’ll prevent future lapses," he promised.  

Leaders Express Grief  

Puri’s titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, called the incident "heartbreaking." He urged better crowd control for next year’s festival. PM Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths during his Mann Ki Baat radio address.  
odisha breaking news today: Dengue Spreads in Capital 
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar reported over 100 dengue cases this month – doubling since May. Worst-hit areas include Salia Sahi (6 cases), Shikharchandi Nagar (5), and Saheed Nagar (4).  
Residents blame poor mosquito control. "BMC isn’t fogging our lanes," said Rashmi Das of Unit-3. Health officials warn infections could spike as monsoon peaks in July.  

odisha breaking news today: Heavy Rain Alert

India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for North Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may trigger heavy downpours until July 2.  
In Uttarakhand, authorities halted the Char Dham Yatra for 24 hours due to landslide risks. "Extreme caution needed," stated Disaster Control officials.  

PM’s Mann Ki Baat Highlights  

PM Modi dedicated his 123rd Mann Ki Baat episode to Constitution Day. He honored citizens who resisted the 1975 Emergency, calling it a "dark period." The broadcast reached listeners in 22 languages.  

Key Developments: 

  • CM’s Grievance Cell Closed: Monday’s public hearing at Bhubaneswar’s Ashok Nagar canceled due to the Puri crisis.  
  • Funeral Arrangements: Puri administration is helping families transport victims’ bodies.  
  • Special Medical Teams: 10 additional doctors deployed at Puri District Hospital.  

Victim’s Kin Speaks  

"We came for blessings, not death," wept Sunita Rout (32), whose husband died in the stampede. "Who will feed our children now?"  

Why It Matters 

The Puri stampede exposes chronic crowd-management failures at India’s religious mega-events. Similar incidents killed 115 at Allahabad’s Kumbh Mela (2013) and 102 in Maharashtra’s Wai temple (2005).  

Government’s Next Steps  

- High-level probe committee formed  
- Chariot queue system redesign promised  
- Night-time restrictions during festivals  

Dengue Advisory  

Doctors advise:  
 Use mosquito nets  
 Cover water containers  
Avoid aspirin during fever  
As Odisha mourns, questions linger about accountability.