Bhubaneswar, July 16: Leader of the Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the reported death of a devotee in an alleged stampede-like incident during the Rath Yatra festival in Puri.

In a post on X, the former Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased. He also wished a speedy recovery to the more than 100 devotees who were reportedly injured in the incident.

Patnaik urged the state government to remain alert and strengthen crowd management measures to prevent such incidents in the future, stressing the need to ensure the safety and convenience of lakhs of devotees participating in the annual festival.

He further said that during this difficult time, BJD workers would extend all possible assistance and support to those affected by the tragedy.