Another Officer Under Scrutiny in Puri Rath Yatra Stampede Case
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Ashok Kumar Behera in connection with the tragic stampede during the 2025 Rath Yatra in Puri.
Behera, who was stationed at the district control room near Gundicha Temple, is accused of negligence in monitoring crowd management and failing to escalate concerns to senior authorities.
The inquiry report, submitted by senior official Anu Garg, highlighted lapses in coordination with Sevayats on the chariots, which contributed to the incident.
The stampede occurred around 3:00 AM on June 29, 2025, leading to three deaths and injuries to twelve devotees.
Following the findings, the Home Department has also recommended disciplinary action against four more officials present in the control room—an Assistant Collector, two Additional Tehsildars, and a District Welfare Officer.
Earlier, seven police personnel had already been recommended for disciplinary measures. The proceedings are being initiated under Rule 16 of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962.
Behera has been asked to submit his response within 30 days, failing which the case may proceed ex parte.
This latest move underscores the government’s intent to hold accountable those responsible for lapses in crowd management during one of Odisha’s most significant religious festivals.
