Puri, June 29 -- Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday described the stampede that occurred during the annual Puri Rath Yatra as "very unfortunate" and said appropriate action will be taken after the completion of an investigation.

Three devotees lost their lives and several others were injured during the crowd surge at the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri.

"The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident... We will take action once we get the report of the investigation," Harichandan told reporters.

He added, "Mahaprabhu, with his wish, gives darshan to his devotees... Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to o...