CM orders administrative overhaul after Puri stampede; key officers reassigned

ODISHA Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday ordered a major administrative shake-up following the stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri which claimed three lives and left around 50 people injured.

- PBD BUREAU/PTI

With several crucial Rath Yatra events approaching, the CM has reassigned experienced IAS and IPS officers to ensure tighter coordination and public safety.

In a decisive move, ADG (Police Modernisation) SK Priyadarshi has been placed in overall charge of police arrangements for the Rath Yatra and related rituals in addition to his existing responsibilities, an official said.

Further strengthening the top administrative structure, senior bureaucrat Saswata Mishra has been appointed as Principal Secretary to the CM, a post lying vacant since Nikunja Dhal proceeded on central deputation.