Puri, July 17: In connection with the Saradhabali stampede incident, statements have been recorded from key officials of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and senior police personnel. The inquiry, led by Development Commissioner and investigating officer Anu Garg, is progressing rapidly, with testimonies from 42 individuals recorded on Wednesday at the Circuit House conference hall.
Officials deployed at the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) during the incident have also submitted their statements to the investigative team. The inquiry so far includes one meeting in Bhubaneswar and three at the Puri Circuit House.
Eyewitnesses and officials from various departments who were present at the incident site have been questioned. The state government has set a one-month deadline for the completion of the investigation.
The probe was initiated amid serious allegations of negligence by senior administrative and police officers responsible for Rath Yatra security and crowd control. Concerns have been raised over possible lapses by officials of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and those overseeing the safety of the three chariots during the festival.
Despite the availability of CCTV footage from the incident, there are growing allegations that no disciplinary action has yet been taken against those allegedly involved in protocol violations. The state government has vowed accountability and transparency in the investigation process.
