Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sought explanations from the Principal Secretary of the State Home Department and the Puri District Collector over the stampede-like incident during the Puri Rath Yatra that claimed two lives and left around 100 devotees injured.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a petition filed by advocate Nishikant Mishra, the Commission directed the authorities to submit their responses on the incident and the measures taken to prevent such tragedies.

The Commission also instructed the State Health Department to ensure proper and timely medical treatment for all injured devotees.

In view of the upcoming Bahuda Yatra (return car festival), the OHRC directed the State Home Department, the Puri District Collector and the Superintendent of Police (SP), Puri, to put in place adequate crowd management and security measures to ensure the safe conduct of the festival and prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

According to reports, the stampede occurred at Marichikote Square on the Grand Road during the Pahandi procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on July 16. Hundreds of devotees allegedly breached barricades while attempting to enter the Grand Road, triggering panic and a stampede-like situation.

Two devotees lost their lives, while nearly 100 others sustained injuries. The injured were rescued and shifted to hospitals for treatment.

Following the incident, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) urged the state government to provide the best possible medical care to the injured pilgrims.

BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the deaths and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The tragedy has once again raised concerns over crowd management during one of India's largest religious gatherings. Last year, three devotees were killed and around 50 others were injured in a stampede near the Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra in Puri.

The OHRC's intervention is expected to focus on fixing accountability, reviewing safety protocols, and ensuring stronger arrangements for the remaining Rath Yatra rituals.