Puri, Jul 10: The investigation committee, headed by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, will begin recording witness statements today in connection with the tragic stampede incident near the Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra in Puri.
Eyewitnesses are encouraged to provide their testimony starting from 3 PM onwards at the Circuit House in Puri.
The probe team is examining multiple aspects of the incident, including the sequence of events that led to the stampede, efficacy of security arrangements, and crowd management protocols. The panel has already recorded statements from 17 individuals in Bhubaneswar as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Earlier, Anu Garg visited the site of the incident near Gundicha Temple, accompanied by the Puri Collector, Superintendent of Police, and the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. During the inspection, she held discussions with police officials, temple servitors, and media representatives to gather preliminary inputs.
The committee is expected to submit its final report within a month.
The stampede, which occurred during the annual Rath Yatra, led to the deaths of three devotees and raised serious concerns about crowd control and preparedness at one of Odisha’s most significant religious events.
The inquiry panel has also invited the public to share any relevant information, including video footage of the incident. Submissions can be made via email to [email protected] by July 20.
