Puri, Nov 8: The State Home Department has recommended action against seven police officers for negligence in duty following the tragic stampede at the Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra on June 29, which claimed the lives of three people.

According to the report submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP), the officers held responsible include: Ajay Padhi, Commandant, OSAP 3rd Battalion; Bishnu Pati, DCP; Tapas Ranjan Das, Commandant, Shri Jagannath Temple Security Force; K.K. Nayak, Deputy Commandant; Prashant Sahu, Puri City DSP; Sushant Kumar Sahu, IIC of Kumbharpada Police Station; and Sarada Prasad Das, Commandant, OSAP 8th Battalion.

The State Government had earlier appointed Development Commissioner Anu Garg to conduct an inquiry into the incident. Based on her investigation report, strict action has now been recommended against the seven officers for lapses in managing the crowd during the festival.