Administrative probe into stampede begins

A day after the stampede in Puri in which three persons were killed and 50 others injured, Development Commissioner (DC) Anu Garg Monday started the administrative probe into the incident.

- PNN & AGENCIES

Garg, who is also the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), has been entrusted with the inquiry into the tragedy near Gundicha Temple in Puri during the Rath Yatra. She visited Puri and inspected the place of tragedy where the stampede took place.

"Today, I saw the spot where the stampede took place Sunday morning. I have also discussed with the people connected with the incident. I have been allowed 30 days of time to inquire the matter," Garg told reporters at Puri.

The DC said, "I will inquire into the circumstances under which such a very unfortunate incident took place. I will also see what more measures could be further taken to avoid such incidents in future."

Apart from verifying the place of occurrence, Garg had a preliminary discussion with Arabinda Padhee, who is the chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). Padhee is looking after different aspects of the Rath Yatra including rituals.