Bhubaneswar, November 20: The Odisha government has recommended disciplinary action against Ashok Kumar Behera, the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) in Puri, following lapses that contributed to a stampede near the Gundicha temple during the Rath Yatra on June 29, 2025.

An inquiry conducted by the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Convergence (P&C) Department revealed negligence and failures in duty on Behera’s part. Based on the report’s findings, the government has approved the recommendation for action against Behera.

In response, the Home Department has instructed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department to initiate the necessary steps for disciplinary proceedings. Authorities have been asked to act swiftly and submit an action-taken report on the matter.

The Home Department also noted that officials assigned to the control room during the event were unaware of the stampede. They only learned of the incident when their shift ended and they returned home around 6 a.m. on June 29.

In addition to Behera, the government has ordered disciplinary proceedings against five other officials, including three executive magistrates, the ACF, and the Puri district social security officer, in connection with the incident.