Odisha DGP YB Khurania said an investigation has been initiated into the Sunday morning stampede, which took place near the Gundicha Temple in Puri.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday ordered the suspension of Puri DCP Bishnu Charan Pati and Police Commandant Ajay Padhi following a stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra that left at least three people dead.

The stampede happened around 4 a.m. near the Gundicha Temple, where devotees were gathered to catch a glimpse of the three deities on the chariots. Majhi expressed his condolences and attributed the tragedy to the chaos and pushing among the eager crowd.

“Due to the intense eagerness of devotees to see Mahaprabhu at Sharadhabali, an unfortunate incident occurred because of jostling and chaos. On behalf of my government and myself, I seek forgiveness from all Jagannath devotees. We mourn the loss of those who died and pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to give their families strength in this difficult time,” Majhi said in a post on X.

The chief minister also ordered the transfer of District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and SP Vineet Agrawal. He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the security lapse, and strict action would be taken against those found responsible.

Odisha’s Director General of Police, YB Khurania, confirmed that an inquiry has begun into the incident, which took place near the Gundicha Temple in Puri.

The annual Rath Yatra, which started on Friday, saw more devotees this year than in the past, according to PTI. The chaos reportedly started when two trucks carrying ritual materials entered the crowded area near the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.