Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over the death of two devotees due to a stampede-like situation during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri city, Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has urged the state government to introduce corrective measures to avoid similar situation in the future.

The party has appealed to the state government to initiate a comprehensive review of the crowd management, safety protocols, emergency medical services and the overall administrative arrangements for the mega event.

“The state government should remain vigilant so that such unfortunate incidents do not recur. Appropriate corrective measures should be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to ensure the safety, security and dignity of every devotee participating in this sacred festival,” said the party.

As per reports, two devotees were killed and around 100 others were injured in a stampede-like situation on the Grand Road in Puri during the Pahandi procession of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

The BJD has urged the state government to ensure best possible medial care to the injured devotees.  

BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has condoled the demise of the two devotees. He also wished for speedy recovery of the injured pilgrims.

“The state government should take immediate steps for proper crowd management and safety of devotees in Puri,” said Patnaik, a five-time former Chief Minister, in a social media post.