Tragic Stampede at Odisha’s Venkateswara Swamy Temple Leaves 9 Dead
A devastating stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Joranda, Dhenkanal district, Odisha, claimed nine lives during the annual Rath Yatra. The temple, constructed by local resident Srikrushna Das, is now under scrutiny for alleged negligence in crowd management. Das has called the incident an “Act of God,” sparking outrage.
How Did the Stampede Happen?
On June 30, 2024, thousands of devotees gathered for the Rath Yatra procession. Witnesses reported overcrowding and chaos as the chariot moved through narrow, uneven pathways. The lack of barricades and insufficient police presence worsened the situation, leading to a fatal crush. Nine victims, including women and children, died from suffocation and injuries, while over 20 others were hospitalized.
Temple Founder’s Controversial Defense
Srikrushna Das, the temple’s founder, faced backlash after stating:
“This was an act of God. No one is responsible.”
Families of the deceased and activists condemned his remarks, accusing the temple trust of negligence. A grieving relative said:
“Calling it divine intervention ignores poor planning. They failed to protect devotees.”
Safety Failures Exposed
Investigations revealed critical lapses:
– No crowd control: Minimal barricades and police.
– Risky infrastructure: Narrow, uneven paths unfit for large gatherings.
– Zero emergency prep: No medical teams or evacuation plans.
An FIR has been filed, but no arrests have been made.
Political Reactions & Compensation
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announced ₹4 lakh ex-gratia for victims’ families and ordered a probe. Opposition leaders, like BJP’s Pradipta Nayak, criticized the government:
“Repeated tragedies show negligence. Stricter rules for religious events are needed.”
India’s History of Deadly Stampedes
This isn’t isolated—past incidents include:
– 2013 Madhya Pradesh: 115 dead.
– 2008 Jodhpur: 224 dead.
Experts urge reforms:
✔ Digital ticketing to limit crowds.
✔ CCTV/drone surveillance for real-time monitoring.
✔ Trained staff for emergencies.
Will This Tragedy Drive Change?
While faith remains central, preventable deaths demand accountability. Das’s “Act of God” stance rings hollow for mourners. The question lingers: Will Odisha enforce stricter safety measures, or will history repeat itself?
(Updates to follow as the investigation progresses.)
