Bhubaneswar, June 29 -- https://images.odishatv.in/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1751174299.webp
A stampede near Puri's Gundicha Temple early this morning has claimed three lives and left more than 50 devotees injured, casting a shadow over the sacred Rath Yatra celebrations.
The tragedy struck Saradhabali around 4:20 am, moments after the 'pahuda' of the deities on the three chariots reopened for public darshan.
According to officials, the 'pahuda' was closed at around 12:30 am, and it was reopened to devotees at 3:45 am. As thousands rushed in to get a glimpse of the deities, a sudden surge occurred, creating a panic situation.
Several eyewitnesses alleged that the chaos intensified when two trucks carrying 'charamala' ...