Odisha Congress demands judicial probe by a sitting judge into Puri Rath Yatra mismanagement

Bhubaneswar, July 1 -- Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das on Tuesday demanded a judicial probe by a sitting judge into the alleged mismanagement of the Puri Rath Yatra, which reportedly led to the death of three devotees in a stampede near the Gundicha temple.

Addressing a press conference, Das dismissed the ongoing inquiry led by the Development Commissioner, stating that it would be of no consequence.

"How can a member of the same committee entrusted with the festival's arrangements be expected to conduct an impartial investigation?" he questioned.

Das asserted that only an inquiry conducted by a sitting judge would ensure justice in the matter.

He strongly criticized the BJP-led state government for ...