Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday said that he and his government personally apologize to all devotees of Lord Jagannath for the tragic incident that occurred due to the intense excitement and overcrowding among the pilgrims.
Three devotees — two women and a 70-year-old man — lost their lives, while six others were injured in a stampede near Saradhabali early this morning.
The tragedy took place as a massive crowd had gathered to have a glimpse (darshan) of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, the presiding deities of the Sri Jagannath Temple, on their chariots parked in front of the Gundicha Temple at Saradhabali.
“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the devotees whose lives were tragically lost at Saradhabali and pray to Lord Jagannath to give them the strength to bear this immense sorrow,” the Chief Minister said.
He termed the negligence as "inexcusable" and assured that the lapse in security would be immediately investigated.
The Chief Minister also said that strict and concrete action has been ordered against those found responsible.